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1. I think my property is in a low risk zone for wildfire, should I be concerned?

It sounds like you are doing a great job maintain your property and keeping it FireSmart.

That being said, FireSmart diligence is a year-round activity and even a low risk property can become high risk once leaves or needles drop from trees.

Windstorms and tree shedding can create pockets of debris in corners and areas of your home that can become major hazards in a wildfire event. Embers from large fires can travel great distances and start fires miles away, so even the most prepared people can still be affected by a fire.

2. I feel like FireSmart won’t make a difference on property?

FireSmart is built upon scientific facts and practices that effectively make a difference no matter the unique characteristic of each property. If your unsure where to get started or you feel overwhelmed, please reach out to the CVRD FireSmart program at fire.smart@cvrd.bc.ca or better yet, sign up for the FireSmart Kick Start project to get your property assessed.

3. How do I get started on making my neighbourhood a FireSmart neighbourhood?

Check the CVRD website for tips and links on how to sign up as well as how to approach your neighbours. 

Do you have a truck? Or a saw? You could reduce your own risk by helping your neighbours. Offer to take away branches, leaves and yard debris for a neighbour in need of some help.

4. What is the home ignition zone and why is it so important?

The home ignition zone is broken down into 4 zones.

• Non combustible zone:  0-1.5 meters
• Zone 1: 1.5-10 meters, create an area that does not easily transmit fire to the home.
• Zone 2: 10-30 meters, if property extents to this range remove dead or accumulated debris, prune trees to remove ladder fuels to prevent spread into crowns.
• Zone 3: 30-100 meters, this zone can be used to create fire breaks that can steer a fire around your home.