File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Planning for, preparing for, and preventing wildfires

Jul 12, 2023 | 10:37 AM

WILDFIRES HAVE DEVASTATING IMPACTS on our communities and our ecosystems. Right now, there are more than 300 wildfires burning in the province and we have already seen more than 1.15 million hectares burned since April 1, 2023. With the current wildfire situation, everyone has a part to play in prevention and preparedness. Prevention starts with following fire bans that are in place for your region.

As of Monday, July 10, all open fires, including campfires for cooking, are banned throughout the province (with the exception of Haida Gwaii). Make sure to stay up-to-date with the current bans and restrictions in your region throughout the summer by visiting BCWildfire.ca. While it may mean changing your summer plans, respecting this fire ban is the best way to protect our beautiful B.C. wilderness.

Plus, contravening a fire ban resulting in causing wildfire could lead to a fine of up to $1 million and one year in prison.

Another step you can take is to protect your home and property from wildfires. Clear gutters, roofs, decks and balconies of debris like leaves that could catch fire. Keep grass and weeds cut to 10 cm or less, and prune trees to keep 2 metres between the ground and the lowest branches. Store propane tanks and firewood at least 10 metres away from your house.

You should also have an emergency plan in place in case your home must be evacuated. Pack a grab-and-go bag with identification, insurance documents, contact information for family and friends, extra clothes, food and water for everyone in the home, plus phone chargers and a first aid kit. Don’t forget additional supplies for children and pets. Plan how you will get in touch with family members and where you will meet them.

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If your home is placed under an evacuation order, you must leave the area immediately. Your local government or First Nation will provide information on evacuation routes and evacuee reception centres. If you need Emergency Support Services, you must go to an evacuee reception centre. Long lines are not uncommon at centres during an emergency. You can save time by pre-registering for Emergency Support Services online. Visit ess.gov.bc.ca.

If you’re travelling in B.C., check conditions before you go and make sure to bring emergency supplies with you in case the area you are visiting needs to be evacuated. Remember that in an emergency, stores may not be open to buy essential supplies. You can see a map of active wildfires in B.C. at BCWildfire.ca.

Wildfire risk is also heightened across the province due to severe drought conditions. Everyone has a part to play in conserving water and reducing the risk of negatively affecting the environment and other water users. We’re asking everyone to reduce water use whenever possible and follow all watering restrictions from your local or regional government.

We continue to make significant investments to address climate change and wildfire prevention. This includes $98 million for BC Wildfire Service wildfire prevention work and projects, and $100 million to expand the FireSmart program, helping homeowners and communities increase wildfire resilience.

By working together, we can all help reduce the risk of disasters and be more prepared when they do happen.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.