By: Wildfire Prevention Program, Anarchist Mountain Fire Rescue Society
After a short and mild winter throughout most of the province, wildfire season has arrived sooner than expected.
While wildfire professionals are all ready to do their part, you also have an important role to play: get FireSmart.
When it comes to wildfire resilience, you don’t need to be a fire professional to make a difference. While wildland firefighters, first responders, and fire experts are all ready to do their part this wildfire season, we all need to contribute to the collective resilience of our communities and province.
But what can the average British Columbian do to prepare for wildfire? It all starts at home. By taking the time to complete simple household chores like mowing your lawn, cleaning your gutters, and removing flammable debris from your yard, you’re helping make your property and community more resilient. Start your wildfire resilience journey by using the resources found at firesmartbc.ca.
Resource: FireSmart BC Begins At Home Guide
Are you planting FireSmart?
There are no fireproof plants. But there are FireSmart options that are safer and more fire resilient. To help you make informed decisions when purchasing plants, check out the FireSmart Plant Program that launched at more than 50 nurseries and garden centres across BC.
This program provides you with the knowledge you need to reduce wildfire risk by highlighting fire-resistant plants with specialized tags.
Also, think about where you are planting. If plants, especially highly flammable ones, are next to your home, this can present a high risk in the event of a wildfire.
Resource: Landscaping Hub | FireSmart BC
(Source: FireSmart BC)
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 4th
The 12th Annual Wildfire Preparedness Day (also known as FireSmart Day), is this Saturday. There will be lots of great information, demonstrations, a BBQ, and a special guest for the kids!
Keynote speaker, Beau Michaud from BC Wildfire, will be speaking on what we can expect from this upcoming fire season.
Also, Area A RDOS Director, Mark Pendergraft will be available to answer questions and provide details on something new for the Jamie Soule Memorial Park.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department on Grizzly Road. Please park along the streetside, so as not to block access for the department trucks and members.
After the event, volunteers are asked to help out by bringing trimmers and rakes so as to FireSmart the fire department property.
Any questions? Contact Gerry Moran, program lead for the Anarchist Mountain FireSmart Committee at wfprev@amfrs.ca
