Living in the gorgeous Thompson-Okanagan has its perks. The lakes and abundance of forest trails at our back door step are truly awe-inspiring. Yet, the recent tragedy on Maui is a stark reminder that we too face a seasonal wildfire threat. No need to panic, though. With some preparation, you can create a safe haven for your family.
Your Home Safety Checklist
1. Make a 30-foot barrier
Ensure you have a clear space around your home. According to Kootenay-Boundary Regional District Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Dan Stevens, it's often the embers, not the direct fire, that pose the biggest risk. Embers can travel and start fires if they land on fuel sources like dry vegetation. Yikes! So, keeping that lawn green and debris-free is crucial.
- Remove dead plants.
- Maintain your lawn.
- Be smart about which plants and trees you choose (for example, well-watered Aspen and Maples are more fire-resistant than others).
2. Home tweaks
Stevens adds, “key to protecting your home from fire ignition, whether it be blowing embers, direct flame, or radiant heat is to ensure you have a non-combustible, Class A rated roof like metal or asphalt, and to ensure that your siding is made from non-combustible material."
- Opt for fire-resistant roofing and siding.
- Install spark arrestors on chimneys and vents.
- Go for tempered glass windows – they're tough against heat.
3. Groom your outdoor living spaces
In addition to ensuring plants are free of needles and other dead material and are well-pruned to reduce their flammability:
- Use non-flammable mulches like gravel or crushed rock around the base of plants instead of wood chips or pine straw.
- Regularly water your plants to ensure they have adequate moisture, which can make them less flammable.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
4. Wildfire on the horizon?
- Evacuate early when needed. Belongings can be replaced, but lives can't.
- Stay updated about the wildfire status.
- Have an emergency kit packed: Food, water, first-aid, medications, and vital documents.
- Before leaving, shut all doors and windows.
Stay vigilant, be prepared, and ask for help when needed. With some planning and mindfulness, we can enjoy the beauty of our surroundings without fear.
5. Next steps
Stevens advises if you took just one step towards fire preparedness, it would be to visit the FireSmartBC website and sign up for a Free FireSmart Home Assessment. If these assessments are not offered in your area, undertake the free FireSmart Home Ignition Zone Assessment Score Card.
These assessments help you gain an understanding of the basic FireSmart tasks that you can accomplish at home.
Remember, every step you take in preparation gets your family one step further from potential harm. Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of the Thompson-Okanagan.
