The provincial government has granted nearly $140,000 to the District of Mission to better prepare it for wildfires.
Funds will be put towards community education, vegetation management, cross-training for firefighters, and development considerations – specifically resistant materials and road access – in the fire interface neighbourhoods of Steelhead and Stave Falls.
“The receipt of this funding will allow communities in the interface and intermixed areas of the District a much-needed opportunity to learn more about FireSmart,” said Fire Chief Mark Goddard. “There will also be an opportunity for residents to take advantage of access to wood debris chip events at convenient sites in their neighbourhoods.”
The money will also be used to reduce fuel loads in high-risk forest areas, and starting in 2021, fuel reduction prescriptions for the Steelhead and Stave Falls communities.
The grant was made under the Community Resiliency Investment program’s 2021 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports, which aids communities across B.C. reduce the risks and impacts of wildfires.
“This funding provides significant resources that will improve the resiliency and safety of neighbourhoods located within the high-risk interface areas of our Community,” said Chris Gruenwald, director of forestry for the District.
Work is expected to begin this spring, and residents will be notified through the District’s social media channels.
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