The City of Maple Ridge is strengthening local wildfire preparedness with the hiring of a new FireSmart Coordinator and the addition of a new wildland fire truck to the Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue fleet.
These investments build on $150,000 in funding received earlier this year through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Resiliency Investment program. The funding will help the City strengthen wildfire planning, public education and community partnerships, with a focus on enhancing wildfire resilience in neighbourhoods throughout the wildland-urban interface.
“Our thoughts are with the people and communities across B.C. affected by this wildfire season, including those who had to leave their homes and the firefighters, volunteers and emergency workers supporting them,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “It’s a reminder that preparedness matters. Maple Ridge is investing in the tools, planning and public education needed to help our community be ready.”
The new FireSmart Coordinator will lead the development of Maple Ridge’s local FireSmart program over the next 12 months. The work will include updating the City’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan; expanding public education and outreach; working with First Nations, residents and community partners; and establishing a Local FireSmart Collective.
The new wildland fire truck added as part of the City’s fleet replacement plans builds specialized capacity for responding to grass, brush and interface fires, while supporting firefighting operations in areas with more challenging terrain or limited access.
“Wildfire preparedness is a year-round shared responsibility,” said Fire Chief Dave Samson. “The City is strengthening its readiness through FireSmart planning and education, a new FireSmart Coordinator and the addition of a wildland fire truck giving our crews specialized capability they need to respond to today’s wildfire risks. Residents can also make a real difference by taking simple FireSmart steps around their homes and ensuring their households are ready.”
Since mid-July, Maple Ridge firefighters have supported wildfire response in Pemberton, Clinton, Boston Bar, Summerland and other B.C. communities. More than 20 local Emergency Support Services volunteers have also supported reception centre operations in Chilliwack and Kamloops.
These deployments provide important support to communities experiencing emergencies and give Maple Ridge personnel valuable experience and insight that can help strengthen local emergency planning, coordination and response.
Residents Can Take Steps Now
The FireSmart program will give residents practical information and support to help reduce wildfire risk around homes, properties and neighbourhoods. As the program is developed, residents will be connected with FireSmart education, free home assessments, community events and resources. More details will be shared as the program is built out.
Residents are encouraged to take action now to prepare their homes and households.
Reduce wildfire risk around your home
- Remove dry leaves, needles and debris from roofs, gutters, decks and yards.
- Keep grass cut short and vegetation trimmed back from buildings.
- Move firewood, propane tanks and other combustible materials away from your home.
- Clear materials from beneath decks, stairs and fences.
- Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street.
- Keep driveways and access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Be emergency ready
Every household should have an emergency plan and know what to do if an evacuation alert or evacuation order is issued.
An evacuation alert means you should be ready to leave on short notice. An evacuation order means you must leave the area immediately.
Prepare a grab-and-go bag with key supplies, documents, medications and items for pets. Consider the needs of children, seniors, pets, livestock and anyone with mobility, medical or language needs.
Stay Informed
Throughout wildfire season, residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts from the City at MapleRidge.ca/Alert, follow the City’s social media channels @YourMapleRidge, local news, Emergency Info BC, the BC Emergency Map, and the BC Wildfire Service for updates on wildfire activity, evacuation notices, road conditions, utility outages, smoke, and weather conditions. For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/FireSmart.
About FireSmart
FireSmart is a provincial program that helps communities and residents reduce the risk of wildfire damage. It focuses on practical actions that can make homes and neighbourhoods more resilient, including managing vegetation and combustible materials around buildings, maintaining clear access for emergency responders, and preparing households for an evacuation.
For additional information, contact: Emily Kozlink, FireSmart Coordinator at FireSmart@MapleRidge.ca.