Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is continuing wildland fuel management efforts to reduce the risk of serious wildfire in the wildland urban interface (WUI) across Vernon. Over the next month, fuel management work will be taking place along the Eastside Road area, south of Harbour Heights Road.
“Wildland fuel management is a critical practice in the WUI to help protect people, homes, infrastructure and the environment,” said Fire Chief David Lind. “After many years of human influence and fire suppression activity, the growth and establishment of wildland fuels across North America – not just the North Okanagan – has drastically changed. Across the country, many forests have become overgrown and are in an unhealthy state.”
To help address this issue, VFRS is working with a qualified contractor to conduct fuel management work on portions of City-owned land where access to roadways and escape routes could become compromised in the event of a wildfire. Crew members will be using chainsaws and other equipment to thin, cut and chip material along the Eastside Road right-of-way.
“We know wildland fires will occur; they are a natural part of our ecosystem,” said Chief Lind. “However, there are steps we can take to mitigate the impact in our community and increase safety for residents and firefighters. Additionally, the work we’re doing with the fuel management projects is helping to return portions of our WUI to a more natural state.”
Between now and the middle of November, motorists traveling along Eastside Road may experience traffic controls when work is taking place adjacent to the roadway.
Wildland urban interface work in the Eastside Road area involves collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, the Okanagan Indian Band, BC Parks, BC Timber Sales Okanagan-Columbia, and the City of Vernon, to achieve the necessary landscape level treatments.
“Some of the work residents will see taking place in the area includes the establishment of fuel breaks and fuel load reduction,” said Chief Lind. “Although the appearance of these areas may change from what we’re used to, this is important work for everyone’s safety. But it can’t stop here. We must also continue to work in coordination with our residents who live in the WUI to learn about, understand, and implement FireSmart principles on individual private properties. When all of these initiatives are combined, we are making our community more resilient to the impacts of wildfire and helping to restore the local ecosystem.”
For more information on how to use FireSmart activities to protect your property, please visit www.firesmartbc.ca. Vernon Fire Rescue will also be providing more information about upcoming fuel management projects across the City and how residents can get involved in FireSmart community initiatives.
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