FireSmart
Homeowners can make an impact on protecting their homes and property from fires in their community. When everyone is practical and proactive it’s possible to reduce the risk of wildfire before it threatens your home and community.
Ladysmith is working at being at FireSmart Community. FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods allow firefighters to concentrate on fighting the wildfire – which ultimately saves more homes and lives.
Communities whose residents take steps to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of surviving a wildfire without the intervention of the fire department.
Some of these preventative measures cost very little and reduce fire dangers by a great deal.
Fire Prevention Tips for Your Home and Yard
Home |
Yard |
Clean roofs & gutters of debris |
Keep lawn mowed |
Ensure doors have a good fire rating and a good seal, including garage doors |
Remove debris piles on a regular basis - spring/fall |
Clear debris from under decking |
Bark mulch is highly flammable - keep away from house by 10m
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Ensure chimneys have a spark arrestor to reduce sparks or embers from spreading |
Place woodpiles away from your home
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Consider screening eves and vents with mesh to prevent |
Place fire pits or burn barrels away from the house, as well as out of the way of trees |
Double-paned windows offer the best fire protection |
Ensure trees don't come close to power lines |
FireSmart BC
Have you heard of FireSmartBC? It's all about how to improve the resiliency of your home during a wildfire event. Did you know fire brands (Hot flying embers) can travel 2kms and ignite spot fires ahead of the fire front. This means a FireSmart home is just as important in the middle of town as one bordering the Forrest.
Learn more about FireSmart BC at: https://firesmartbc.ca
FireSmart Community: Controlling Vegetation
Did you know that uncontrolled vegetation, particularly tall grass, is a fire hazard? Town staff would like to remind property owners that the hot, dry weather creates fire hazards - that's why it's so important to maintain landscaping and ensure that vegetation on all properties, including those that are vacant, is controlled. Owners of vacant land are still responsible for maintenance, even if they don't live there. Please also remember that it's your responsibility to mow long grass on boulevards adjacent to your property.
Let's all do our part to keep our community safe and beautiful!
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