September 4, 2025

Sophie Randell and Jeremy Denny

CSRD FireSmart Program

We welcomed Sophie Randell (FireSmart Coordinator) and Jeremy Denny (Wildfire Mitigation Specialist) from the CSRD FireSmart Program. 

A few major points:

• We recognize that wildfires are here to stay; they’re part of our natural landscape.

• Since 2017 there has been more loss than in the previous 150 years.

• 90% of homes lost due to wildfire is due to embers, not flames.

• Wildland urban interface – human development and the wildlands meet.

• There has been a fire locally every year since 2018.

We watched a video showing ember showers and how they spread the fire.

Home Ignition Zones – FireSmart program is looking at how we can protect ourselves.

• Immediate Zone -roof, down walls to 1.5 m non-combustible – primary objective

• Intermediate Zone – 1.5 m to 10 m – create as little as possible combustible fuels; biggest culprits in our area are the cedar and juniper shrubs. Landscaping brochure available (printed and online).  Several nurseries are now tagging “FireSmart” plants.  At this time, there is no legislation about what you can plant, just strong recommendations.  Don’t put wood piles next to the house in the summer!

• Extended Zone – 10 m to 30 m

• Overlapping Zones – fire spreads from neighbour to neighbour; all we can do is try to educate your neighbours and offer to help.

Common Hazards

• Roof and gutters furl of fine fuels

• Decorative coniferous – cedars and junipers

• Mature and immature coniferous vegetation with ladder fuels

• Firewood stacked up against homes

• Wooden decks and items stored underneath

• Wood fence connected to structure

• Vents and other gaps/cracks in homes (check that your vents have screens to prevent embers from coming in)

• Ember collectors (e.g. building materials, toys, plastic or other flammable materials, garbage cans, hanging baskets)

Alternative to cedars hedges and wooden fences:

• California lilac – hold a lot of moisture

• Non-combustible fencing

Primary Issue – structure vulnerability:

• Wildfire events are inevitable.  Disasters are not.

• There is no such thing as the miracle home.

• Nothing is guaranteed.  Fire smarting gives your home a fighting chance.

Neighbourhood Recognition Program (NRP)

• Developed to officially recognize neighbourhoods that have taken critical steps to reduce their vulnerability to wildfire fire.

• Being a recognized FireSmart community provides tangible benefits by enhancing wildfire resilience through organized  neighbourhood initiatives, reducing the risk of igniting structures, building strong local connections, fostering a greater sense of community. And improving overall preparedness and peace of mind against wildfires.

Insurance common questions:

• Do I have adequate insurance on my property?

• Because I have insurance, am I protected?

• When is my renewal?  Is it during the “Fire Season”? (Renew between Nov 1 and March 31!)

• Should I get a Wildfire Mitigation Plan (SMP) assessment, and will it help my insurance? Definitely recommend that you get it!  No guarantee it will help with insurance, but insurance companies may ask you to provide this.

Check out more information on the CSRD website:

https://www.csrd.bc.ca/261/FireSmart-in-the-CSRD

Questions:  Email firesmart@cscd.bc.ca