02/01/2026
That's a sh*tty hard day for our boating community.. hope all are ok and praying for those who are involved 😭🙏
Memo from North Saanich Marina
Fire Safety Friendly Reminders
* Faulty wiring and leaks: check wiring, gas tubing and fittings regularly for defects. Electrical malfunction, such as a short circuit, overloaded circuit, or faulty wiring can cause fires to happen suddenly and without any warning.
* Fuel vapour and/or gas buildup in the bilge: always vent the engine space before starting the engine. Common cause of boat fires is a fuel leak or spill, which can lead to accidental ignition. Properly store flammable materials, including propane, gasoline, and cleaning agents, to reduce the fire risk.
* Maintain your boat’s engine regularly: a poorly maintained marine engine can overheat or develop problems with the fuel system, both of which can cause a fire. While good maintenance doesn't guarantee your safety, it can go a long way toward fire prevention.
* Fuel-burning appliances/avoid grease fires: keep gas valves turned off when not in use, and never leave cooking appliances unattended while they’re on.
* Do not smoke in the cabin.
* Fire extinguisher maintenance: turn dry chemical fire extinguishers upside down and shake them once a month to prevent the contents from clumping together. Inspect your fire extinguishers for dents, corrosion and leaks once a month. Replace any cracked or broken hoses. Check the pressure gauge to make sure the pressure is still optimal.
Sources: Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, Transport Canada.
