RDOS Regional Reflections: wildfire precautions and preparedness

News Article

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has felt the impacts of several Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fires in recent years. A WUI is any area where combustible wildland fuels (vegetation) are found adjacent to homes, farm structures, other outbuildings, or infrastructure, prompting both evacuation orders and alerts.

Since 2004, the RDOS has made efforts to raise WUI fire safety awareness and advocate for mitigation. This included the creation of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which led to various fuel management treatments and FireSmart projects within the region.

We’re in this together. Wildfire prevention can happen at home, in the backcountry, and through larger-scale fire and fuel management planning. From cleaning your roof and gutter to moving firewood, there are easy steps you can take to make your home and your neighbourhood FireSmart. To learn more about becoming FireSmart, consider taking a quick course.

If you’re spending time outdoors, please use caution with any activity that could potentially spark a wildfire. Human-caused fires are completely preventable. It is also important to develop a family preparedness plan. Even the best of plans by your local government can only do so much. It is up to you to follow three steps to Emergency Preparedness at home or at work:

For further information, please visit the RDOS Community FireSmart website: https://firesmart.rdos.bc.ca/

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Karla Kozakevich, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen


Contacts:

Sean Vaisler
RDOS Emergency Services Manager
250-490-4218

Erick Thompson Andrea Rendall RDOS Toll Free
RDOS Communications RDOS Communications 1-877-610-3737
250-490-4211 250-490-4147  
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