Wildfire is a risk that all British Columbians need to be prepared for. While that seems like a big task, FireSmart is here to help you get started and make proven steps toward protecting your home and our community from wildfire. We put the power of prevention in your hands. FireSmart offers countless resources that enable you to take steps now that can save your home later if a wildfire emergency hits close to home.
Maple Ridge has large areas that are part of the interface where suburban homes meet with the forest. With climate change we are seeing a large change in wildfire behaviour with it occurring in all areas of BC and it’s time to take proactive steps to lower the risk around your home.
If you live in the high-risk Wildfire areas of Maple Ridge, with proper FireSmart practices you can improve your odds of your house surviving by 90%. Most of these changes only require a bit of effort and not a large financial burden. Maple Ridge has recently hired a FireSmart Coordinator through a grant application and they are prepared to work with our community in helping Maple Ridge citizens become better prepared for Interface Fires. We are also looking to find FireSmart Champions in Maple Ridge neighbourhoods to help the FireSmart Coordinator implement these programs.
For information on becoming a FireSmart Champion or about making your property FireSmart in Maple Ridge, contact your Maple Ridge FireSmart Coordinator Sean Clark by phone at 604-786-9759 or by email at sclark@mapleridge.ca. You can also find resources on our City website at www.mapleridge.ca/2641/FireSmart-Program