Wildfire Prevention Presentations Offered

May 31, 2016

Fernie Fire and Emergency Services is offering timely information presentations titled: Breaking the Wildfire Disaster Cycle to all local service clubs, homeowner associations, and other organized groups of residents. “We will be pleased to attend any upcoming meeting of your organization in order raise awareness about local wildfire hazards and the simple solutions that are available to residents for reducing the vulnerability of homes and neighbourhoods to wildfires,” says Fire Chief Ted Ruiter. “Fernie’s history demonstrates that we are susceptible to disasters like the current one at Fort Mc Murray, and our goal is to avoid that risk.”

To learn what You Can DO - residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to watch the 35 – 45 minute presentation which consists of slides and a very impactful video. The presentation will inform residents about the real threat that wildfires present to the City of Fernie and surrounding developments; educate them about how wildfires burning in the surrounding forest actually cause the ignition of homes in an urban area; explain why even the most aggressive emergency responses are almost always overwhelmed unless residents have applied FireSmart solutions at home, well ahead of time; and outline simple Fire Smart actions that residents can take to greatly reduce the potential for home losses.

During the presentation, the "FireSmart Canada Community Recognition Program" will also be introduced. It is anew national campaign to motivate neighbours to work together and make their neighbourhood less vulnerable to wildfire.  “We are launching this program in Fernie, as it promises to be among the most effective means of achieving our longer-term objectives for community wildfire protection”.

During the presentation, there will be opportunities for the audience to express their concerns about wildfire, and to ask any questions they have. Presenters will also convey the knowledge needed for Fernie residents to take small but effective actions that significantly reduce the potential for their homes to ignite during a wildfire event, and for fire to spread within their neighbourhoods

To request a presentation, please contact Fire Chief Ted Ruiter at 423-4226 or send an e-mail with your request to firesmart@fernie.ca.