(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

FireSmart

KFR encourages residents to ‘FireSmart’ their homes amid wildfires

Jul 20, 2021 | 5:21 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) and the City of Kamloops are asking homeowners to ‘FireSmart’ their properties again this summer.

Fire Chief Steve Robinson said there’s more urgency for Kamloops homeowners to FireSmart giving the wildfire situation in the province.

“If you have a property, a big yard, it might seem like a daunting task… but we’re asking people to break it into small steps,” Robinson said. “Look at that 1.5 metres directly around your house. That’s supposed to be the combustible-free zone. Look at your roofs and remove any buildup of debris. Clean out the gutters… pockets around the house.”

“With this 1.5 metres, we’re really trying to stop an ember from flying from a fire that could be a kilometre away and landing in a little pocket of debris right up against the side of a house that starts an ignition.”

Adding spark arrestors on chimneys, screening off gaps under decks and removing any combustibles stored under decks is also recommended for residents who want to FireSmart their homes. The use of chainsaws and other heavy machinery is highly discouraged as it may cause sparks which could ignite a fire.

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Residents who want to FireSmart their properties can call (250) 828-3461 for a free FireSmart assessment.

Homeowners can also dispose of yard waste at three locations in the city with free disposal. At these locations, anything under two feet in diameter can be chipped and composted:

1. Bunker Road Drop-Off Location, 1455 Bunker Rd, open 7 days a week, summer hours 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. Barnhartvale Landfill Drop-Off Location, 970 Eliza Rd, open Friday to Monday (closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), summer hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3. Cinnamon Ridge Compost Facility, 4045 Tranquille Rd., open seven days a week, summer hours 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

More FireSmart tips, courses, and information are online.