As summer officially kicks off, Central Saanich Fire Department is offering residents a unique opportunity to learn how their gardens can serve as a first line of defence against wildfires.
FireSmart Your Garden workshop will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Central Saanich Fire Station 1 at 1512 Keating Cross Rd.
The workshop will feature experts in gardening, tree care and wildfire mitigation, offering practical tips on selecting wildfire-resilient plants, mulches and groundcover.
Participants will also learn about water and soil conservation practices inspired by nature, as well as garden design principles that can significantly enhance home protection.
"Our community can focus on the positives and what we can do to mitigate our risk for wildfires, like the fire that threatened Sooke last year,” said Ryan Vantreight, district FireSmart coordinator and certified wildfire mitigation specialist. “Everyday choices, like the plants we choose for our gardens, can really help to reduce fuel around our homes."
District arborist Conan O’Dell will also be present to answer questions regarding tree bylaws and proper tree care.
In addition to the workshop, Central Saanich is offering a generous incentive: rebates of up to $1,000 for every $2,000 spent on approved wildfire mitigation efforts applied to properties.
These efforts must be based on recommendations from a free FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Assessment conducted by the fire department.
Registration is required for the workshop, and space is limited.
Residents of Central Saanich, Tsartlip and Tsawout First Nations can reserve their spot and/or book a free, confidential FireSmart home assessment by visiting csfiresmart.ca, calling 250-415-8066, or emailing firesmart@csaanich.ca.
