Kamloops, BC – June 1, 2023 – The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is encouraging residents to take steps to FireSmart their home and property ahead of the summer wildfire season. Fortunately, it is surprisingly easy to do.
“In the Thompson-Nicola region, we know all too well the threat to homes that is posed by wildfires every year. We have had a hot and dry spring, and reducing the risk of fire on your property is crucial,” said Dan Funk, TNRD FireSmart Coordinator. “Don’t wait until a fire is approaching your property; take steps today to fireproof your home. Ensure that the exterior of structures on your property are non-combustible, remove fuels and combustible materials wherever possible, and keep all combustibles a safe distance away from your home.”
The FireSmart Home Ignition Zone has recently been updated, which shows residents how to minimize their home and property’s vulnerability to wildfires by addressing threats in each of the three priority zones:
- (0 – 1.5 metres): The Immediate Zone is a non-combustible area that starts at the house and extends to the 1.5-metre perimeter around the home and attached structures, such as decks. In this zone, choose non-combustible building materials and vegetation.
- (1.5 – 10 metres): The Intermediate Zone should be fire-resistant and free of combustible materials that could easily ignite.
- (10 – 30 metres): In the Extended Zone, residents should thin and prune evergreen trees to reduce fire hazards, and regularly clean up accumulations of fallen branches, dry grass and needles from the ground to eliminate potential surface fuels.
FireSmart BC has launched a 2023 Spring Campaign with helpful tips on home maintenance and landscaping and other resources. To access this webpage, click here.
To learn more about how to FireSmart your home and property, and to find resources including the FireSmart BC Homeowner’s Manual and the Farm/ Ranch Wildfire Plan Guide, visit: tnrd.ca/firesmart.
Media Contact:
Dan Funk, FireSmart Coordinator
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-6305
Email: firesmart@tnrd.ca