In 2025, the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department continued to play a critical role in protecting the community through emergency response, training, prevention, and public education. Driven by dedicated volunteers and strong community support, the department reached several meaningful milestones over the year.

This year-in-review highlights the people, progress, and partnerships that helped strengthen local emergency services in Tofino.

Emergency Response by the Numbers

In 2025, the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department responded to 357 calls, including:

• Fire calls: 67
• Rescue calls: 11
• First Responder calls: 279

These figures highlight the department’s critical role not only in fire suppression but also in medical response and emergency assistance across the community.

Volunteer Membership

The Tofino Volunteer Fire Department operated at full capacity in 2025, with 30 active volunteers serving the community.

The department also welcomed five new recruits in March. These members completed training throughout the year and officially began responding to calls in December, strengthening the department’s long-term capacity.

Honouring years of service is an important way to recognize the commitment behind volunteer firefighting. In 2025, the department celebrated the following milestones:

15 Years of Service: John Forde, John Gilmour, Emre Bosut

10 Years of Service: Damon Johnson, Tim Oh, Allan Pearson

5 Years of Service: Alex King, Cale Spence, Brett Freake, Pablo Palma, Chris Armstrong, Claire Crimp

The department also recognized the retirement of two long-serving members:

• Brandon Vautour, following eight years of service
• Steven Quay, following ten years of service

Training and Readiness

Ongoing training remains a cornerstone of the department’s work. In 2025, members participated in an estimated 3000 total training hours, including weekly fire practices, weekend training and specialized courses.

This consistent commitment ensures members remain skilled, prepared, and ready to respond safely and effectively in various emergency situations.

Investing in Facilities and Equipment

Community fundraising and external funding continued to support long-term improvements to emergency services.

In 2025, the Tofino Fire Society raised over $70,000 toward the development of a new training ground. This brings the total funds raised for the training facility to more than $175,000, reflecting strong community support for firefighter training and safety.

The District also applied to the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund for funding toward a new fire hall on Industrial Way. The proposed project, valued at approximately $7 million, would replace the current downtown fire hall, built in 1953. The application is currently awaiting a funding decision.

Significant investments were also made in frontline equipment, including:

• Six new sets of turnout gear, boots, and gloves were purchased through grant funding
• Fifteen new SCBA packs and 30 new air bottles, replacing self-contained breathing apparatus equipment that was approximately 25 years old

These upgrades improve firefighter safety and operational reliability.

Community Education and Engagement

The department also participated in several outreach activities during the year. These included the High Ground Hike in April, regular appearances at the Tofino Market during the summer, the Fire Prevention Week Open House in October, and Pizza Delivery Night in November.

These events provided opportunities to connect with residents, share fire safety information, and strengthen community relationships.

Thank You to the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department

The District of Tofino expresses appreciation to all members of the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department for their work throughout 2025. Their continued commitment supports ongoing emergency services and preparedness in the community.