In collaboration with the Institute for Business and Home Safety, FireSmart Canada™ has developed a detailed guide to help homeowners safeguard their properties against the threat of wildfires. Understanding the natural role of wildfires in ecosystems is crucial; however, due to our proximity to the lushly forested Watershed Park and Burns Bog, we have an increased risk of an Urban Interface event. The FireSmart™ guide is designed to educate you on the small changes that can be implemented in and around your homes, as well as the neighbourhood at large, to significantly reduce the impact of wildfires on this slice of paradise we call Sunshine Woods.
Roofing: The First Line of Defense - The roof is identified as the most vulnerable component of a home during a wildfire. Embers and sparks can travel long distances, quickly igniting flammable roofing materials. Simple roof designs are recommended to minimize areas where debris and embers can accumulate. Proper maintenance, including the installation of flashing at roof surface junctions, is essential for protection.
Materials Matter: Choosing Fire-Resistant Options - The fire rating of roofing materials plays a critical role in protecting homes. Class A fire-rated materials like clay tile, concrete tile, metal, and asphalt shingles offer high resistance to fire. Regular maintenance is emphasized to address potential weak points on roofs and prevent debris accumulation that could fuel fires.
Siding, Vents, and Openings: Vulnerable Areas - Apart from the roof, siding material is highlighted as structurally vulnerable to wildfires. Combustible debris near vents and openings can be ignited by embers during a wildfire. Designing simple exterior wall structures and using fire-resistant materials like stucco, brick, fiber cement boards, and poured concrete can enhance protection.
Landscaping Strategies: Creating a FireSmart Yard - Landscaping within 10 meters of homes plays a crucial role in reducing wildfire risks. Selecting fire-resistant plants, maintaining a low density of vegetation, avoiding bark or pine needle mulches near homes, and keeping combustible materials like firewood piles away from structures are key recommendations.
Community Involvement: The FireSmart Canada Recognition Program – While this is not an official representation, I like to look at the FireSmart™Community Recognition program as a natural extension of Block Watch; it even comes with a fancy sign. My end goal is to bring Block Watch and FireSmart™ together in a symbiotic relationship where Block Watch Captains are provided with the support they need to help protect residential neighbourhoods in the Wilderness Urban Interface (WUI) from the risks of an Urban Interface Wildfire.