How to Create a FireSmart Property

Over the last few years, wildfires have become much more common. By taking action and creating a FireSmart property, you will dramatically increase the resistance of your home and property to damage caused by wildfire. The best part is, it's surprisingly easy to do. Here are a couple of recommendations.

Roofs contain many areas in which debris and embers may collect; clean your roof regularly of combustible materials such as leaves and branches. Don't forget the gutters! Also choose fire-approved roofing materials.

A spark arrestor on your chimney will reduce the chance of sparks escaping and starting fires.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the corners and crevices of your home and yard (where needles and debris build up) will leave nothing for embers to ignite.

Wood piled against a house is a major fire hazard. Moving your firewood pile may be a key factor that allows your home to survive a wildfire. Clean up any such areas regularly, since easily ignitable debris often collects here.

Do not use bark or pine needle mulches within 10 metres of your home, since they are highly combustible. Gravel mulch and decorative crushed rock mulch significantly reduce the risk of wildfire.

A FireSmart yard can include trees. Plant deciduous (leafy) trees that are resistant to wildfire. poplar, birch, aspen, cottonwood, maple, alder, ash, and cherry are some good examples.

Keep your family safe. Make sure you create an emergency evacuation plan, and ensure everyone learns it. 

These are just a few recommendations to help create a FireSmart home and yard. To learn more, please visit FireSmart BC