Crews removing the hedge, installing temporary fencing at the Spruce Landing Strata Complex on 25th Ave (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Fire-Susceptible Hedge Being Removed

First-of-it’s-kind collaborative FireSmarting underway at a Vernon strata

Oct 30, 2024 | 5:04 PM

A strata complex in Vernon is taking the initiative in working to prevent future fire events.

The Spruce Landing Strata Complex has formed a first-of-it’s-kind-in-B.C. partnership with the City of Vernon to undertake FireSmarting work that involves removing cedar hedges from the property.

The strata had already removed hedges from the alley it backs onto and replaced it with corrugared aluminum fencing, and city crews began work to support the removal of nearly 2,000 feet of hedges along 25th Ave. Wednesday, Oct. 30.

“It’s a really big job. One of the first strata’s in B.C. to remove this amount of cedars at a certain cost, and FireSmart B.C. does recognize that and we applaud the strata for undertaking all the initiative at one point instead of in little pieces,” Wes Brasard, Vernon’s FireSmart Coordinator, said.

The project came to fruition after the vegetation was recognized as a direct threat to the strata, some assessments were undertaken, and the FireSamrt team held some educational meetings with residents.

Fire-Susceptible Hedge Being Removed

First-of-it's-kind collaborative FireSmarting underway at a Vernon strata

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There have also been incidents along the hedge line in the recent past.

“This last summer we’ve had two fires in this area, large sections of hedge were consumed in that. There was lots of flame, lots of smoke, lots of risk to the strata,” David Lind, Chief of Vernon Fire Rescue Services, said.

“We got fortunate, those fires happened in April, when conditions were favourable and the fire engines were just around the block, so it worked out. If this had been later in the year, in August or September when conditions were different, it could have been a different outcome. So this kind of work is so important.”

Lind noted this work help build a more resilient community, as all homes are susceptible to fire moving from outside in, and, when it comes to landscaping and planning, “careful thought can make a big difference.”

Once the hedges are removed, the ground will be leveled out, fencing will be installed, and drought-resistant vegetation will be planted. In the meantime, temporary fencing was being installed.

The work requires one west-bound lane of 25th Ave. being blocked to traffic between 37th and 41st Streets, and the city estimates it will take until mid-November to complete the work and reopen the lane, weather permitting.

The strata estimates the work would cost it $15,000, with another $16,000 funded through the city’s Parks department.

The city was in the process of undertaking FireSmarting work on municipal land, but was also open to working with private property owners. People interested in working with the city to FireSmart their properties can apply for an assessment online.