The Penticton Fire Department’s FireSmart team wants to hear from residents who live in the wildland-urban interface about how we can work together to protect their homes from wildfires. Those who live in the wildland-urban interface are invited to share their views by completing a feedback form available on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca before August 30, 2021.
“Our Fire Department has excellent resources to help you reduce the risk to your property,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “If you live in the wildland-urban interface as I do, I hope you will take the time to learn more about the FireSmart program and share your feedback on how we can make it better and reach more affected members of the community.”
The City estimates that there are approximately 6,000 addresses within the wildland-urban interface. A map of the interface area is available at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca/firesmart. The local FireSmart team offers a property assessment program to help residents in this area identify specific actions they can take to reduce the risk of wildfire on their property and potential impact to their homes. Through the feedback form, the FireSmart team will determine the level of awareness of these services as well as identify opportunities to strengthen the program.
“We want to make sure every Penticton resident who lives near forests or wildlands are aware of the free services available through our FireSmart team to assess their homes and properties,” said FireSmart Coordinator Brittany Seibert. “We also want to know what other FireSmart services residents would find helpful and what opportunities there are to work together to protect Penticton homes from the risks of wildfire.”
FireSmart Canada is a national initiative that helps property owners living in or close to forested areas to be aware of the wildfire threat and offers ways to take action to make their homes and community become FireSmart. Residents can learn more about the services available at penticton.ca/firesmart. Paper copies of the feedback form can be found at the shapeyourcitypenticton.ca kiosk at the Penticton Public Library.