Don’t wait for an emergency


Disaster response takes serious planning, both physical and financial. By Susan McIver


D


ale Kronebusch’s advice to vineyard owners concerning wildfires and other natural disasters can be summed up in five words: Be prepared, see your CGA. Kronebusch, emergency services supervisor for the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, led the workshop, ‘Fire Smart Your Vineyard and Prepare for Disaster Financial Assistance’, at the annual enology and viticulture conference held July 20-21 in Penticton.


“The intensity and number of wildfires are increasing,” Kronebusch said. Drought, heavy fuel loads and continuing encroachment of vineyards, orchards and residences on wild lands are the underlying reasons for the increase.


Wind can spread wildfires at astonishing speeds. Grass fires can reach speeds of 8.5 kilometres per hour and crowning forest fires of 5.5 km/h. Spotting can occur as far as two km ahead.


“Never underestimate the speed of spread. It’s crucial to have evacuation plans including escape routes in place.” Field labour, employees at wineries and restaurants and customers may have only 20 minutes or less to evacuate. Plans should include animals on the property, such as those in a petting zoo, livestock and pets. “Know about and engage CDART (Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team).”


In addition to never underestimating the power of a wildfire, Kronebusch said, “Don’t overestimate the ability of firefighters to protect your property.” There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of property loss due to fire. “Interface fires often start as small accidental ignitions.”


Sparks from flail mowers, heat from the engines of tractors and passenger vehicles and careless disposal of cigarettes can start grass fires.


14 British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2015


Cut vegetation back from power lines, propane tanks and other fuel supplies and clear combustible vegetation around vineyards, orchards and buildings. Chimneys should have approved spark arrestors.


Keep tools such as rakes, shovels, axes, garden hoses handy. Make sure there is


SUSAN MCIVER


Jonathan O’Connor, left, vineyard foreman at Liquidity Winery, and Dale Kronebusch, emergency services supervisor for the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen, exchange ideas on discuss how to protect vineyards from wildfires.


adequate access for emergency vehicles and if possible, have a supply of on-site water, such as a pool, pond or tank. Kronebusch showed an aerial view of two adjacent vineyards in Peachland, one of which was completely destroyed and the other untouched by a 2009 fire. “The surviving vineyard had an overhead irrigation system and a drip system—the destroyed vineyard only a drip system. Increasing the humidity in an area can make all the difference.” Tasting rooms, cellars and produce stands associated with vineyards and orchards should be constructed using FireSmart principles. These include roofing made of metal, clay tile or asphalt shingles and exterior walls of stucco, metal, brick or concrete. Cover eavestroughs to prevent accumulation of combustible material and screen all vents, including soffits. Minimize use of exterior wood. “In the 2011 Slave Lake (Alberta) fire, every house that had a wooden patio or


stoop burned,” Kronebusch said. Installing a sprinkling system and small pump to protect buildings could prove helpful.


In the event of loss due to natural disasters, property owners may be eligible for help through the Disaster Financial Assistance Program. Navigating the rules and restrictions can be a challenge.


Could the property have been insured? What is the assessed value of the land? What is the maximum claim allowed? Can claims be made in more than one category? Are some types of property ineligible?


“Talk to your certified general account before anything happens. He or she can help you set up your business to maximize assistance in case of disaster,” Kronebusch said.


For additional information on fire prevention visit www.bcwildfire.ca and for the disaster financial assistance program www.embc.gov.bc.ca


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