Invermere, BC – Local residents of CastleRock Estates are working together to make CastleRock Estates a FireSmart Community by hosting their 1st Annual FireSmart Day & BBQ – Saturday, July 15, 2017, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Residents will see demonstrations by the Invermere Fire Department on the safe and proper use of a fire extinguisher as well as guidelines to building and safely operating a fire pit. In addition, a guided tour of a few houses and properties will allow people to see first-hand where potential fire risk is within 10 metres of the house, referred to as Priority Zone 1. Residents will learn how to conduct their own Structure and Site Hazard Assessment, so that their Zone 1 is a fire-resistant zone, free of all materials that could easily ignite from a wildfire. Children will also participate by challenging each other in a Children’s Weeding Contest, with prizes for the “Biggest Bag of Invasive Weeds Collected” (age groups 3 to 13).
“The goal is to inspire our community residents to join together to look carefully around their properties to see where the dangers of wind-blown embers and firebrands, as well as combustible vegetation material close to houses, may increase their risk of home ignition and wildfire losses in the community,” said Ray Schoepfer, President of the CREC Association.
Kathleen O’Neill, Co-Chair, FireSmart Committee, added, “Our community is located in a forested and wildland area, a highly desirable place to live. What makes the development so attractive also makes it hazardous. Wildfires will happen – exclusion is not a choice. Although we are within the boundaries of the District of Invermere, we need to be prepared.”
The July 15th event would not be possible without the support from the Invermere Fire Zone / BC Wildfire Service, the Invermere Fire Department, and donated items from the Invermere Home Hardware and Building Supplies.