As wildfires continue rage in B.C.’s Interior, the City of Delta is looking to prepare residents should a major fire break out here.
This week Delta fire Chief Paul Scholfield wrote a letter to residents who have a home within or adjacent to one of the many naturally vegetated areas in the city.
“We call such areas the wildland-urban interface, or interface for short,” said Scholfield. “Forested and wildland areas are highly desirable places to live, but what makes them so attractive can also make them hazardous. While vegetation is an amenity for residents, it can also be a source of fuel for an interface fire.”
Scholfield points out that Delta is not immune to wildfire.
“The 2016 Burns Bog fire was a stark reminder of the wildfire risk that exists within our city,” he said. “As your fire chief, I believe it is important to ensure that the public is aware of this risk and given the necessary information needed to take action.”
Residents are encouraged to protect their homes from an interface fire by ensuring yards are free of dry grass clippings, fallen branches, compost heaps and needles that could easily ignite. All of this yard material should be put out to the curb for removal and not dumped into ravines or forests where it contributes to the build-up of fuel for forest fires.
Scholfield said the fire department is currently updating Delta’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan. He anticipates the revised plan will be available on Delta’s website later in the fall.
Residents with any questions can contact the fire department at 604-946-8541.
