Capital News Thursday, June 30, 2011
www.kelownacapnews.com B11
? t r a m S e r i F u o Are Y P
rotect your home from wildfires. West Kelowna Fire Rescue is encouraging everyone living in the wildland/urban interface to take time now to plan how to increase the fire safety of their homes and property.
Fire Smart Tips: •Prune tree branches to a height of 2 metres or more •Store fire wood 10 metres or more from the house (avoid downslope location) •Remove all trees, long grass, shrubs, logs, branches, twigs and needles within 10 metres of house •Thin trees (with 3 - 6 metres between crowns) for at least 30 metres from the house •Remove or reduce the number of evergreen trees in the area. Evergreens such as pine and spruce are much more combustible than deciduous trees •Remove deadfall, thick shrubbery and mature trees that can spread fire upwards to become a fast spreading crown fire for at least 30 metres from the house. Once a fire crowns out, it’s virtually unstoppable •Grass within 10 metres of buildings should be mowed and watered •Clear all debris from gutters and roof •Contact your utility company if trees or branches are not clear of power lines Pine needles are a fire hazard •Address or lot number clearly signed for quick identification by fire service •Driveway is wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles •Chimney installed to code complete with spark arrestor screens •All eaves enclosed and screen all vents including soffits •Undersides of balconies, decks and crawlspaces sheathed in with flame resistant materials •Propane tanks located at least 10m from building - clear all vegetation within 3 metres •Use only fire retardant roofing rated Class A, B or C and fire resistant exterior siding
The wildland/urban interface is the area where the forest meets urban communities. Living in a forested area means living with fire! The best protection against loss, damage or injury due to wildfire is prevention. Following the FireSmart Home Owners Manual can help reduce that risk. The first 10 metres of space around your home is your “First Priority”. A good fuel free space gives firefighters a chance to save your home from an advancing Woodpiles are a fire hazard fire. Walk around your home and property to see what needs to be done.
Learn the three steps to getting prepared: Know the risks
Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to your community and your region can help you better prepare. Find out here what the hazards are in your region.
Make a plan
It’s easy and essential. Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do if disaster strikes. Make your own plan and print it out today.
Prepare a kit
It doesn’t take long - find out what goes into an emergency kit, or where you can buy one. An emergency kit helps ensure you and your family are ready to cope on your own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.
If you see a FIRE in your community call the emergency number: If you see a WILDFIRE call Toll Free 1-800-663-5555 (*5555 on most cellular networks). If you require information on fire use restrictions and forest closures, call toll free 1-888-3-FOREST (336-7378).
Fire Danger Rating LOW
MODERATE
V
HIGH
EXTREME
Be aware of the fire hazard boards in your community, located on roads leading to the interface areas.
What the Danger Class Ratings mean:
LOW:: Low fire danger MODERATE:: Carry out any forest activities with caution HIGH:: Fire hazard is serious. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Burning permits and industrial activities may be restricted EXTREME: Extremely high fire hazard. General forest activities may be restricted, including burning permits, industrial activities and campfires.
WEST KELOWNA FIRE RESCUE DISTRICT OF WEST KELOWNA • 250-769-1640 for fire safety information. Contact us for a copy of the Home Owner’s FireSmart manual, or download a copy from www.districtofwestkelowna.ca or www.bcwildfire.ca