Fire Protection Areas
The Regional District of Nanaimo operates within and around 21 Fire Protection Areas.
What Is a Fire Protection Area?
A Fire Protection Area is a geographically defined zone where fire protection services are formally provided by a local authority—such as a municipality, regional district, or improvement district—through an established service agreement or bylaw. These areas are created to ensure that residents, businesses, and properties receive consistent and reliable fire protection and emergency response services.
Why Fire Protection Areas Matter
Fire Protection Areas are essential for:
- Public Safety: They ensure that trained responders and equipment are available to manage fires and emergencies.
- Planning & Funding: They help local governments allocate resources, plan infrastructure, and collect property taxes to fund fire services.
- Service Accountability: They define who is responsible for delivering fire protection and under what terms, ensuring transparency and consistency.
How Fire Protection Areas Are Used in BC
In British Columbia, Fire Protection Areas are established through local government bylaws or service agreements. These areas are recognized under the Fire Safety Act, which defines local authorities as municipalities, regional districts, or other designated bodies. The Act requires local authorities to designate fire inspectors and investigators and outlines how fire protection services are delivered and monitored.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner supports regional districts and municipalities by:
- Providing training and guidance for fire inspections and investigations.
- Assisting with compliance under the BC Fire Code and Fire Safety Act.
- Offering support where local capacity or expertise is limited.
Fire Protection Areas in the RDN
In the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), Fire Protection Areas are the foundation for how fire services are delivered across the region. Here's how they work:
- Defined Boundaries: Each Fire Protection Area is mapped and linked to a specific fire department, whether managed by the RDN, a municipality, an improvement district, or a volunteer fire department society.
- Service Agreements: The RDN holds formal agreements with volunteer fire department societies and contracts with municipalities to provide fire protection in certain areas.
- Funding & Oversight: The RDN collects property taxes within these areas to fund operations, equipment, and capital improvements for fire departments.
- Coordination: The RDN Fire Services team ensures service delivery is consistent, safe, and aligned with provincial standards—especially in areas where the RDN directly manages or supports fire departments.
Some rural areas outside municipal boundaries may not fall within a designated Fire Protection Area. If you're unsure whether your property is covered, visit the RDN Fire Protection Area map to view service boundaries.