By Corey Fischer

Fire Prevention Takes Spotlight

Jul 3, 2018 | 6:00 AM

With the hottest part of summer still to come, local governments are urging residents to look at fire-proofing their homes and yards.

Alastair Crick, protective service manager with the Regional District of North Okanagan, says people should try to minimize features that can spread wildfires from one property to another.

He says the first few metres around homes, can be the most critical in interface areas, if fire embers are spread.

“You should try and reduce the combustible type fuels that can cause the spread of fire from one neighbor to another neighbor.”

Crick says long grasses, bark mulch, and certain trees can be hazards.

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“I’m not saying we want everybody to cut everything down, but things like junipers and ceder hedge rows are notoriously bad for having a lot of dry material within, and they’ve got a lot of resins within which burn super hot and very quickly.”

He says if residents don’t want to remove those items, they should keep them moist in the summer.

“We have to obey the sprinkler bylaw regulations if there’s any water restrictions on, but you should try to reduce the chance of fire spreading to your homes.”

Residents are also encouraged to reduce wood waste on their property, which can be disposed of at local recycling and disposal facilities.

Crick adds RDNO staff are available to meet with neighborhoods and groups to give advice on ways to reduce the risk.

by Corey Fischer