Pilot program helps homeowners protect their property from wildfires

A FireSmart pilot program will offer free removal and chipping of specific woody debris in eight Kelowna neighbourhoods this spring.

The City of Kelowna says the wildfire-reduction program will be offered in areas where there is significantly more traditional landscaping that contain flammable plants and shrubs.

“This is the time of year to take the actions that will make a real difference,” said Tara Bergeson, Urban Forester. “It is critical to learn about your home’s level of risk and think ahead to the potential dangers of wildfire season. Removing vegetation from your property that is hazardous when it comes to wildfire spread is a key step – especially the plants located within 10 metres of your home. This protects you, your family, and your neighbourhood.”

The new initiative will be provided in Dilworth, Magic Estates, McKinley, Quail Ridge, Gallagher’s area, Mission Ridge, and parts of Kettle Valley and Black Mountain. Residents in those areas can remove these materials from around their home and pile them curbside for pick up according to the schedule, which can be found online at kelowna.ca/firesmart.

Every week between April 19 and July 15, a city-contracted truck equipped with a wood chipper will follow a scheduled route through parts of Kelowna to pick up these materials. Debris will not be picked up if it contains broadleaf (deciduous) trees, roots, dirt, rocks, gravel, grasses, or other non-organic materials (e.g. rope, twine).

The Community Chipping pilot program is funded through the Union of BC Municipalities and is part of our year-round commitment to reducing risk of wildfires. There is potential for this program to expand to other parts of Kelowna in coming years if the pilot program proves successful.