With a ban on all open burning in effect in the Powell River region as of Wednesday, July 18, fire prevention is once again top of mind for many. However, mitigating the risk of fire is something people should be proactively working toward year-round, according to qathet Regional District manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms.
“Fire bans come and go throughout the year,” he said. “What we really want to speak to residents about is fire smarting our homes and properties.”
FireSmart is a national education program that has been expanded in the regional district. Throughout the summer, local FireSmart coordinator Marc Albert is hosting a series of workshops on best practices to reduce fire risk.
“Instead of living in fear we should be doing proactive things with types of building materials we’re choosing and how we landscape and maintain our properties,” said Thoms.
Simple choices and habits can make a big difference, he added.
“Most of the time, houses that are lost because of an approaching wildfire, it’s not the big flame, it’s sparks and embers,” said Thoms.
Keeping roofs, gutters and decks clear of leaves and needles, moving firewood piles away from the house and keeping grass short all contribute to the mitigation, as well as choosing plants and trees that are less combustible.
“If you’re planting trees around your home, choose deciduous trees like maples, alder and fruit trees; they just don’t burn when they’re green and healthy versus conifer species such as cedar, fir and pine,” said Thoms. “For plants, generally if it’s supple and leafy, it’s not a great burner.”
The next FireSmart workshop takes place Saturday, August 4, at Powell River Recreation Complex. For more information or to register, contact Albert at [email protected] or 604.414.7839.
