The Cariboo Regional District has found its new coordinator for fire safety.
Travis Flanagan, member of the Williams Lake Fire Department since 2016, was named the district’s newest FireSmart Educator, and is bringing a wealth of experience to the position.
Flanagan spent 10 seasons with the BC Wildfire Service, and in this new role, he will develop and deliver informative presentations, workshops and seminars to individuals, groups and organizations to convey the principles of fire mitigation and emergency preparedness. He says his goal is to increase public understanding of FireSmart strategies and encourage individuals to take action to protect their properties and surroundings.
FireSmart is a national education program that offers practical, effective and science-based resources and information to increase resilience against wildfires while minimizing negative impacts.
“Being proactive in making your home property, and neighbourhood FireSmart will help increase your home’s resiliency when wildfires approach,” he explained. “Applying FireSmart principals will significantly increase the chance of your home surviving a wildfire up to 90 per cent.”
Flanagan explains that while wildfires are inevitable, losing homes or communities is not.
“By learning and gaining the confidence to tackle some small projects around your home and property, you can make the difference whether you house survives a wild land fire,” he said.
Katrina Nikolai, Williams Lake bylaw services officer, was the temporary FireSmart coordinator last year with the city of Williams Lake, and believes a FireSmart role is a wonderful opportunity for the regional district to work within the community.
“I believe a strong community-minded approach is the best way to work towards success with the program,” she said.
READ MORE: FireSmart video for Cariboo communities released on YouTube
