Springwood Mobile Home Park was recently recognized as one of the first FireSmart neighbourhoods in South Cowichan.
The community celebrated this status with a barbecue and live music, as well as a presentation of their recognition plaque at the community entrance on Sept. 7.
"It feels great," said Springwood FireSmart committee member Suzanne Frenette. "There is now that awareness out there, and every little bit make a huge difference."
With the help of the Mill Bay Fire Department and the Emergency Management Cowichan (EMC) team, the Springwood community started an initiative to mitigate their fire hazards in 2013. Meetings were held to determine what areas needed to be targeted and community homes were assessed to identify a baseline for fire hazards improvement initiatives.
"Achieving FireSmart recognition demonstrates a community’s commitment to wildfire risk reduction," said EMC FireSmart coordinator Trevor Reid. "It signifies that the residents and property management have actively taken steps to protect homes and properties by implementing FireSmart strategies, which benefits the entire community. By strengthening the wildfire resilience of their homes and properties, residents reduce the time and resources required by fire crews to protect their properties. This, in turn, allows fire protection crews to focus on safeguarding key critical infrastructure in the community and helps residents return home sooner."
Frenette said the knowledge that both the Mill Bay Fire Department and EMC were able to provide to prevent fires on their properties was extremely valuable. After nearly 50 per cent of the community was assessed and initiatives such as the implementation of reflecting sign numbers in every home and road were put into effect, the community achieved its first FireSmart Neighbourhood recognition.
"To become FireSmart recognized, a community typically needs to complete several assessments," said Reid. "These include a wildfire risk assessment, implementing FireSmart mitigation practices like removing flammable vegetation, ensuring homes and structures use non-combustible materials, and maintaining defensible spaces around properties. One of the great things about FireSmart is that any homeowner can apply the FireSmart wildfire resiliency principles to the home whether it’s cleaning debris from the gutters or replacing their home’s building materials with something that is fire-resistant,"
Reid said each community must also have an active FireSmart committee or a champion who educates and leads efforts. Other communities that want to become FireSmart can start by educating themselves with the public online resources offered by FireSmart BC, and also by engaging with EMC to assist them with the program. EMC can provide a free neighbourhood risk assessment and educate residents about wildfire resiliency. FireSmart resources are free and easily accessible for all people in the Cowichan community. To learn more visit emcowichan.ca or email firesmart@emcowichan.ca
"Being recognized as a FireSmart neighbourhood means the community is proactively prepared for wildfire risk, significantly reducing the vulnerability of homes and infrastructure," said Reid. "It is an ongoing commitment to improve the wildfire resiliency, and with every year comes new opportunity to build a safer community. Becoming a recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood symbolizes the strength and resiliency of Springwood Mobile Park residents, setting an example for others to follow and encouraging them to protect their homes and make their community more wildfire resilient.”
