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FireSmart in Tumbler Ridge

What is FireSmart?


FireSmart is a national, provincial, and municipal initiative that helps property owners and communities understand how wildfires can threaten structures located in or near forested and wildland areas. It also outlines practical steps individuals and communities can take to reduce the vulnerability of buildings and property to fire.

Examples of FireSmart practices include:

  • Remove piles of firewood, building materials, tires, and other flammable items from within 10 metres of homes and structures.

  • Clear or properly space all plants and vegetation within 10 metres of buildings.

  • Ensure trees and vegetation do not overhang the roof, and keep gutters well-maintained and free of debris.

  • When planting new trees, consider fire-resistant deciduous species such as birch and aspen, or refer to the FireSmart Landscaping Guide for more information.

As homeowners, we can all take simple yet effective steps to increase our resilience and reduce the impact of wildfire on our properties and within our communities.

Try this out – FireSmart 101
FireSmart 101 is a free, one-hour course offered by FireSmart Canada that empowers residents to take action. Test your knowledge and gain valuable insights into protecting your home and neighbourhood from wildfire.


     Click on the picture below to watch a short video about FireSmart and You! 




Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan

Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans, or CWRP's, are the next generation of municipal planning and emergency response and replace existing Community Wildfire Protection Plans, or CWPP's. To better ensure that CWPP's consistently take a comprehensive approach toward wildfire, including risk reduction and resiliency measures, the BC Wildfire Service partnered with the BC FireSmart Committee to develop a new framework for Community Wildfire Resiliency Planning. Learn more about the CWRP process here.

The final CWRP will stand as the framework for wildfire mitigation throughout the District of Tumbler Ridge and guide activities including fuel mitigation, educational programs and supports for residents for a period of 5 years with annual reviews and amendments as required. Have your say about Tumbler Ridge's wildfire preparedness! Review the District of Tumbler Ridge's draft Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan here.



What is the Wildland – Urban Interface? (WUI or “WOO-HEE”)


The Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) is the zone where human development—such as homes, structures, and infrastructure—meets or intermingles with undeveloped forested land and natural vegetation.

The WUI is more than just a geographic boundary. It represents a complex relationship between environmental conditions, community development, and economic and social factors—all of which influence how wildfire risk is managed in these areas.

The WUI is broken down further into two sub-categories, Interface & Intermix; some areas of Tumbler Ridge fall into each of these categories.

  • Interface is when there is a clear line of demarcation between residential, business, and public structures and
     wildland fuels; in these areas, wildland fuels do not generally continue into the developed area.
  • Intermix is when there is no clear line of demarcation; in these areas, wildland fuels are continuous outside of
     and within the developed area.

As a wildfire approaches a community, it is initially fuelled by forested land and vegetation. When the fire enters the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and begins to compromise structures, there is a critical transition period. During this time, the fire shifts from consuming natural vegetation and wildland fuels to burning “built fuels” such as homes, fences, and other infrastructure within the community.

At this point, these fires are no longer considered wildfires in the traditional sense. Instead, they evolve into urban conflagrations, spreading from structure to structure through radiant heat, embers, and direct flame contact. This is where FireSmart practices can play a crucial role—often becoming the deciding factor in slowing or stopping the spread of the blaze.

To learn more about wildfire behaviour, how fires spread in the WUI, and the steps you and your neighbourhood can take to reduce wildfire impacts, refer to the FireSmart Begins at Home Guide.


   

     FireSmart Resources: