The City of Kamloops is working with its firefighters to provide a one-day chipping service to help residents in Juniper Ridge and Rosehill mitigate fire risk in their neighbourhoods.
The free chipping service – which will be limited to the first 20 registrants of each neighbourhood – will take place in Juniper on May 13 and in Rosehill on May 14.
“Recognizing the importance of fuel mitigation in reducing wildfire hazards, over 900 acres of green space within the city have undergone extensive fuel mitigation efforts,” the City said, in a statement.
“These initiatives are integral to the City’s comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy and aim to create safer environments for residents and mitigate the potential spread of wildfires. ”
Kamloops Fire and Rescue Life Safety Educator Jeff Pont says the two neighbourhoods were deemed priority areas owing to their proximity to green spaces and the large of requests for FireSmart assessments.
“Now is the time for all residents to start thinking about what they can do around their homes to have the best chance should a wildfire advance on their home,” Pont said.
“FireSmart is an amazing program with incredible results. The first step in creating a FireSmart zone is to remove all the combustibles around your home, and cedars are a great place to start.”
Kamloops Fire and Rescue has on numerous warned about the dangers of cedar trees as they’re highly flammable and can often lead to extensive damage.
Pont says while cedar hedges are often prized for their beauty and privacy, it requires substantial water and maintenance.
“Through the free chipping service, homeowners can reduce fire risk and alleviate the burden of cedar hedge maintenance,” Pont said.
Residents in Juniper Ridge and Rosehill who want to be a part of the free program are being told to register their property with Kamloops Fire Rescue by calling or texting 250-320-7641.
“To ensure their cedars are chipped, homeowners must remove them and place the cedar material at the edge of their property by the street,” the City in its statement, noting people do not need to be home on the day.
“Any cedar shrub, regardless of its size, can be chipped. Non-cedar shrubs will be left behind.”