Vernon residents can learn how to protect themselves from wildfire.
From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Vernon homeowners can join local and provincial fire officials at Deer Lake Park (9192 Tronson Rd.) to learn about the FireSmart program.
“Residents play a key role in wildfire protection because when it comes to wildfires, everyone shares the responsibility for preserving life and property by planning to be FireSmart,” said Lawrie Skolrood, Vernon deputy fire chief.
In addition to helping homeowners understand what it takes to protect their property, the fire and forest crews will be removing combustible forest materials that can pose a risk to nearby homeowners. They will be trimming ladder fuels and removing dead underbrush, as well as cleaning up other debris in the park that could pose a fire risk.
“This event will significantly help reduce wildfire risks within the park and will provide an opportunity for people to get useful information as to how they can FireSmart their own property,” said Skolrood.
“One of the strongest recorded El Nino cycles has resulted in an early spring for the Interior. The warmer than normal temperatures have caught the attention of the wildland and structure fire service throughout B.C.”
More information on FireSmart can be found at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/firecom/pdf/homeowner-firesmart.pdf.
