Submitted by Joanne Rodgers
FireSmart™ Canada is a nationally recognized program that helps Canadians increase neighbourhood resilience to wildfire. The program offers a range of resources to help property owners minimize the negative impacts of a wildfire.
At BPEG’s March meeting, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP) Deputy Fire Chief Krista Tiernan explained that the fire season is typically from April 1 to October 31. Tiernan offered some helpful and practical advice on how to protect homes and properties, such as:
-Keep an entry path to your house of 13 ft in width and height to allow room for emergency vehicles.
-Move firewood at least 10 metres away from your home.
-Clean debris and leaves from gutters, roofs, and decks.
-Keep 1.5 metres non-combustible zone around house.
-Add non-combustible 3 millimetre screens to external vents (except dryer vents) to keep embers out.
-Keep grass and weeds cut below 10 cm.
-Plant wildfire resistant vegetation to reduce flammability of your landscaping.
-Prepare an evacuation plan for your household.
-Have a 72-hour emergency kit.
The Deputy Fire Chief reminded everyone to ensure that their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order and to test the alarms once a month. She stressed the need for a carbon monoxide alarm, especially if you have a fuel burning source, such as propane, wood or propane water heater.
FireSmart offers various fire assessment tools, Tiernen recommends downloading the FireSmart Begins at Home app or print the FireSmart Home Ignition Scorecard and do a self-assessment of your home and property.
For more information, please visit https://firesmartcanada.ca/
Mark your calendar: Earth Day event on 19 April
The Bruce Peninsula Environment Group (BPEG) invites everyone to their annual Earth Day event, to be held on 19 April at Lindsay Tract from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be interactive activities for all ages which includes a guided walk, forest bathing, yoga and info booths/exhibits. A feature presentation from Tyler Miller of Parks Canada will focus on the importance of trees and forests to the environment and climate. A light lunch will be provided.
Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy this informative and social event. See you there.
