Be FireSmart: Protecting Your Home and Family from Wildfire
On Haida Gwaii wildfires have become a threat to our forests as we experience a rise in temperatures and an increase of droughts or dry spells. During the summer season unattended beach fires or campfires can impose a large risk to our forests. To address these issues, numerous approaches, including improved forest management, prevention measures, early warning systems, and firefighting capabilities, are used. Taan Forest collaborates with local authorities and the British Columbia Wildfire Service to provide support in fire suppression efforts and promote coordinated responses.
Taan Forest is committed to sustainable forest management and wildfire prevention. By maintaining healthy forests, employing monitoring systems, and engaging with communities, we aim to reduce the risk of wildfires. Taan Forest has an annual fire plan and risk rates each harvest area for fire danger based on proximity to rural and urban infrastructure, ease of public access and ease of ignition of different species of trees being harvested. Higher risk areas have more firefighting resources available during higher danger ratings or are delayed for harvest until fire danger ratings are lower. Taan also holds annual wildfire safety and suppression training for its staff and contractors. Over 85 people between Taan and their contractors are trained and have the equipment, pumps, hose, trucks and water delivery systems to respond to wildfires. Taan monitors six weather stations within its operating areas and reports daily readings of fire weather index to staff, contractors, ministry personnel and fire departments. Contractors also monitor fire weather indices at a block level. Work is reduced or shut down during dangerous fire weather indices.
To help you reduce the risk of potential wildfire damage to your home and community, Taan suggests implementing FireSmart principles such as creating defensible spaces 200 feet around your home by: managing vegetation such as keeping lawn short, removing trees that could fall on your house, remove dead trees and branches, keep branch and leaf litter cleaned up, avoid piling firewood against your home or against propane or fuel tanks; and following safety standards for structures. FireSmart BC offers basic tips for residents, such as having an evacuation plan, maintaining surroundings, and ensuring a safe distance from propane tanks and combustible materials.
For more information on protecting your property and home, consult the FireSmart BC website firesmartbc.ca or contact local fire departments. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage and contribute to community safety. Remember to report wildfires to the appropriate helpline and avoid calling the fire department or 911.
To report a wildfire, call 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 on a cellular network.
For information on the current wildfire situation in BC search for the BC Wildfire Service Mobile App for a free download at the App Store and on Google Play or visit https://firesmartbc.ca/
