FireSmart your home now
Sponsored Content - Apr 30, 2020 - Think Local

Photo: Contributed

Bryan Reid Sr. of Timber Kings fame is sharing his top three tips to help residents prepare for wildfire season using known FireSmart methods.

In 2017, Reid lost a lot to wildfire. Now he’s an advocate for wildfire prevention and calling on all B.C. residents and communities to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by mitigating wildfire risks where they live.

“I have seen first hand how fast wildfire moves and how destructive it can be,” says Reid, who is the founder of Pioneer Log Homes and star of HGTV’s Timber Kings. “There are a lot of practical steps homeowners can take to prepare for wildfire, and I am proud to be working with FireSmart BC to help residents learn about what they can do.”

Image: Contributed

British Columbians can play a critical role in mitigating wildfire risks around their homes and properties by undertaking FireSmart initiatives. Homeowners who diligently implement the recommended FireSmart guidelines greatly increase the probability that their homes will survive a wildfire event.

Reid’s top three FireSmart tips for homeowners include:

1. Take the FireSmart home assessment
Download the FireSmart Homeowners Manual and take the home assessment to assess your risk from wildfire. Answer the questions in the assessment form to see what changes will make the greatest difference in reducing your home’s risk from wildfire.

2. Find out if your community is FireSmart Canada recognized
Communities whose residents work together to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of limiting fire-related damage. Check out the recognized FireSmart Community map and find out if your community has become FireSmart.

3. Don’t wait. FireSmart your home today.
Download the homeowners manual and find out what you can do to FireSmart your home today.

“There are over 100 FireSmart recognized communities in B.C., and hundreds of local FireSmart representatives who are doing their part to mitigate wildfire risks,” FireSmart’s Amanda Reynolds says. “We are encouraging all B.C. residents to visit FireSmart BC’s website, a central resource dedicated solely to wildfire prevention for property owners and communities in B.C. to learn about how they can prepare for wildfire season.”

The BC FireSmart Committee was initiated by the BC Wildfire Service in May 2017 to provide greater direction for wildfire prevention activities and better integration of the seven FireSmart disciplines throughout the province. It was based on the FireSmart Canada model.

Members of the committee include the BC Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C., Emergency Management BC, the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. and the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of B.C.

Image: Contributed
Some of the Okanagan communities that are FireSmart recognized.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.


All Think Local Stories