Saturday, May 6 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and residents across the East Kootenay are being asked to take action to help protect their homes and properties from the risk of wildfire.

“The probability of damaging wildfires has increased in recent years and it’s important that residents prepare themselves and their homes for the possibility that a wildfire will happen near to their community,” explained Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Wildfire Resilience Supervisor Terry Balan.

“Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a great way to make an intentional effort. Whether it’s your first actions or part of ongoing efforts, we encourage everyone to get FireSmart on May 6.

“It’s important that people take the time to lessen the hazards around their homes and to make sure they have a plan for them and their families to use in case of emergency,” added Balan. “We’ve repeatedly seen small fires become serious very quickly in our region, so it’s important to know what steps you are going to take before time is a factor.”

The RDEK is also home to the East Kootenay FireSmart Program, which follows the FireSmart Canada principles to help encourage and support residents and communities in becoming FireSmart.

Residents can access a list of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day events, preparedness guides, homeowner’s manuals, landscaping guides and more at engage.rdek.bc.ca/firesmart.

RDEK

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