City advances wildfire preparedness and FireSmart work

The City of Maple Ridge is strengthening wildfire preparedness by hiring a FireSmart Coordinator and adding a wildland fire truck to the Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue fleet. The measures build on $150,000 received earlier this year through the Union of BC Municipalities' Community Resiliency Investment program.

The funding will support wildfire planning, public education and community partnerships, with a focus on resilience in neighbourhoods along the wildland-urban interface. Mayor Dan Ruimy acknowledged people across B.C. affected by the wildfire season, including residents forced from their homes and the firefighters, volunteers and emergency workers assisting them, and said preparedness matters.

Over the next 12 months, the FireSmart Coordinator will develop Maple Ridge's local program by updating the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, expanding public education and outreach, working with First Nations, residents and community partners, and establishing a Local FireSmart Collective.

The wildland fire truck, acquired under the City's fleet replacement plans, provides specialized capacity for grass, brush and interface fires and for operations in difficult terrain or areas with limited access. Fire chief Dave Samson said wildfire preparedness is a year-round shared responsibility.

Since mid-July, Maple Ridge firefighters have supported wildfire responses 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. The City says the deployments aid affected communities and provide local personnel experience that can strengthen emergency planning, coordination and response.

The developing FireSmart program will offer education, free home assessments, community events and resources. Residents are urged to remove dry leaves, needles and debris from roofs, gutters, decks and yards; keep grass short and vegetation back from buildings; move firewood, propane tanks and combustible materials away from homes; clear beneath decks, stairs and fences; make addresses visible; and keep driveways clear for emergency vehicles.

Households should have emergency plans and understand that an evacuation alert means preparing to leave on short notice, while an evacuation order requires leaving immediately. Grab-and-go bags should include key supplies, documents, medications and pet items, with consideration for children, seniors, pets, livestock and people with mobility, medical or language needs.

Residents can sign up for alerts at MapleRidge.ca/Alert and follow @YourMapleRidge, local news, Emergency Info BC, the BC Emergency Map and the BC Wildfire Service for wildfire, evacuation, road, utility, smoke and weather updates. More information is at MapleRidge.ca/FireSmart.