COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • MARCH 2020
Wildfire risk increases need for preparation Interior fire lessons highlight the importance of self-reliance
by BARBARA JOHNSTONE GRIMMER
DUNCAN – The recent flooding in
the Cowichan Valley mean summer’s hot and dry conditions are a distant thought for many, but now is the time to start getting ready for wildfire season, according to wildfire mitigation specialist Kevin Smith. “Personal preparedness is essential,”
says Smith, who came from the Regional District of the Central Kootenays to lead a session on wildfire resilience at the Islands Agriculture Show in Duncan at the beginning of February.
Based on experiences of farmers and ranchers who lived through recent wildfire seasons in BC, Smith shared resources the BC Cattlemen’s Association has developed to assist producers, including a guide and workbook (both available online) and tubes containing emergency response information such as a farm map showing locations of buildings and machinery, as well as building contents for emergency responders. The idea is to complete and share
the workbook, follow Fire Smart actions to reduce structural loss, and reduce fuel on properties to create a defensible space. “If people follow these steps, they
can prevent structure loss 95% of the time,” says Smith. The first step in reducing the risk of damage and loss is to arrange for
Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete a workbook aimed at helping reduce potential infrastructure losses in the event of a wildfire. BC WILDFIRE SERVICE PHOTO
appropriate insurance. Producers must be insured privately in order to receive any government assistance for crop or
property losses. Local governments will have a public safety focus and can offer only
limited assistance to producers. Municipal and regional fire
emergency services are responsible for protecting structures within a designated fire response zone. The BC Wildfire Service does not
protect structures. Its main purpose is to advise the local emergency operations centre on trigger points for evacuation alerts and orders. In the confusion and stress of a
wildfire, Smith says producers must remember that they’re responsible for their families, livestock and properties. An “alert” is the time to gather items, an “order” means get out now. Understanding fire behaviour is
important. Keeping the fuel load down and away from important structures is critical. It will help keep embers from igniting bark mulch, leaves, needles, firewood and other potential fuels. If a wildfire is likely, preparing an
area tilled to black soil can save equipment, livestock or your home and other valuable structures. A premises identification number
(PID) is a valuable tool to allow possible re-entry to your farm. “But if you stay, you are on your
own,” says Smith, with respect to an order to evacuate. The lessons learned from past
wildfires and the experiences of farmers and ranchers all come down to being prepared well in advance. “You’re your own best resource,”
says Smith.
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HAVE YOU COMPLETED AN ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN?
To book an on-farm appointment, call toll free at 1-866-522-3447 or visit
www.bcefp.ca for program information.
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