The spring season could be critical for Burns Lake residents in reducing wildfire risks and preventing human-caused fires.
According to British Columbia FireSmart, wildfires are known to spread from forests or grasslands towards residential areas, posing a threat to people’s homes. Some risks could be reduced by removing dead grass leaves, trimming tree branches by two meters from ground level and cleaning under decks and yards.
FireSmart, an authority in wildfire prevention, has planned several landscaping practices to reduce the risk of wildfire. These include spacing out trees to slow down the spread of fire and making informed choices for trees, plants, shrubs, and grass to reduce the accumulation of embers. By integrating FireSmart principles into your landscaping plans and daily yard work routines, you can significantly reduce wildfire risk.
Ladder fuel, a term used in wildfire prevention, refers to any live or dead vegetation that allows fire to climb from the ground to buildings or the tree canopy. Common examples of ladder fuels include ornamental grasses, shrubs, vines, and tree branches.
When planting trees and shrubs, FireSmart suggests that they be placed safely away from buildings so that their branches do not touch or hang over the roofs. Before planting, consider the mature plants and trees’ size and ensure they have enough space between them instead of being bunched together.
To minimize the fire risk, FireSmart also suggested the use of decorative rocks, stone pathways, and rock retaining walls instead of wood. Additionally, designing ponds and streams around the area can help create fire breaks and increase fire resilience.
British Columbia FireSmart encourages people that FireSmart plants could also reduce wildfire risks.
The Regional District of Bulkley Nechako suggests as the weather warms up, take precautions to protect your home and your community from wildfires. To find out how you can get funding for projects that will help reduce your home’s vulnerability to fire,visit rdbn.bc.ca/departments/protective-services or call 250-692-3195.