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FireSmart Community Champion workshop June 11
Local residents gather to address community wildfire preparations
In conjunction with FireSmart Canada, the City of Fernie is launching the FireSmart Community Recognition Program – a nation-wide initiative that provides people living in fire-prone areas like the Elk Valley with the knowledge and organizational means to significantly reduce their neighbourhood’s vulnerability to wildfire.
As a first step, Fernie Fire and Emergency Services is conducting a half-day Community Champion Workshop. The June 11 workshop is free and open to all civic-minded residents with concerns about wildfire protection and a willingness to work with their neighbours to take the initiative in reducing wildfire risks. Lunch and refreshments are provided.
No prior knowledge or experience is required, just an interest in avoiding disasters like the one unfolding in northern Alberta – or that was experienced in the City of Fernie in 1908. Participants will learn how to recognize wildfire hazards, and how residents can build simple solutions into an action plan that reduces the risk of home ignition and wildfire losses in their neighbourhood. Implementing that plan is part of a process leading to national recognition! It all starts with community champions!
As we are seeing in recent years, large wildfires are becoming increasingly more frequent and fire seasons are longer. As well, the amount of fuel available to feed intense wildfires is accumulating, and more people are living in forested areas. In these circumstances, even the most well prepared and aggressive fire responses will be overwhelmed, unless residents take actions well in advance to make their property and homes less vulnerable. There are many small ways of doing this – that make a big difference. Disasters are not inevitable, and tragedies can be avoided!
Attend the FireSmart Community Champion Workshop, and see how you and your neighbours can instigate effective “neighbours helping neighbours” solutions that reduce the risk of wildfire losses. To learn more about the Fernie Community Champion Workshop and to reserve a space, please send an e-mail to: [email protected] with your name, phone number, street address and e-mail address.
The FireSmart Canada Community Recognition Program is a component of the FireSmart Canada Initiative developed and promoted by the non-profit Partners in Protection Association. The program is sponsored by all Partners in Protection members across Canada and, in particular by the following agencies and organizations: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre; Canadian Council of Forest Ministers; Wildland Fire Management Working Group; Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction; Alberta Emergency Management Association; National Fire Protection Association – Firewise USA.
For more information about Partners in Protection, FireSmart Canada, or the FireSmart Canada Community Recognition Program, visit www.firesmartcanada.ca .
The Community Champion Workshop is Saturday, June 11 from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Elks Hall, 491 – 1st Avenue, Fernie.
City of Fernie
