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Departments > Parks, Recreation and Culture > Parks Division > Driftwood Removal on Gonzales Beach Driftwood Removal on Gonzales BeachAlthough it is illegal to have beach fires in the Capital City, the Victoria Fire Department still responds to nearly 200 calls each year to put out beach fires that get out of control or are left smoldering, posing a risk to those on or near the beach. Beach fires are often difficult to access due to their location, and a small or smoldering fire can be time consuming to put out, occupying emergency responders that may be needed elsewhere in the community. Beach fires can have serious impacts. Wind-fanned embers can cause the rapid spread of flames, putting natural vegetation, property and people's safety at risk. In addition, smoke can be a respiratory irritant to people in the area. The embers and ash left behind from beach fires also creates a mess for other beach users. Scheduled RemovalThe City of Victoria removes driftwood from Gonzales Beach at the end of April. The work is timed to take place prior to summer holidays - when the number of beach fires tends to peak - and when storms are less likely to bring new driftwood to shore. City Parks staff collect wood that is less than two metres long (six feet) and 30 centimetres (one foot) wide. Driftwood, tree roots, and logs that are larger than these dimensions remain on the beach. To minimize any impacts to the beach, Parks staff carefully place the collected wood into the bucket of a small tractor, located on two access ramps. The wood is transported to the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard, where it is chipped for re-use in City garden beds and chip trails. Gonzales Beach remains open during this work and every effort is made to minimize any disruptions to residents, beach users and pedestrians in the area. This is the only time of year the wood is collected. Contact UsFor more information, contact: Parks Division
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