City of Vernon crews will soon begin removing trees, shrubs and other excess vegetation in an effort to reduce the fire risk in the Okanagan Landing area, work that the city's FireSmart coordinator says will be expanded to the community at large over time.
The removal of hazardous landscaping will start as early as Monday around city-owned infrastructure and private properties in the Lakeridge Drive area.
Work will take place along Lakeridge Drive, Amber Drive, Cameo Drive and Garnet Drive and will involve removing cedars and junipers. FireSmart recommended landscaping will be planted in these areas, the city said.
“By removing hazardous fuels along city-owned lands, boulevards, and rights of way, we can reduce the threat of fire to local infrastructure, homes, and properties,” said Wes Brassard, FireSmart coordinator. “The work in the Lakeridge Drive area marks the beginning of a community-wide project and an ongoing effort that will take time to complete but is essential for the safety of our community."
City staff will be working alongside Coldstream-based Rider Ventures, which provides wildfire and flood protection services.
Residents and visitors are advised to adhere to any posted signs or instructions while crews complete the work.
Residents in a different part of town have already been working to FireSmart their neighbourhood. In late June, North Okanagan waste removal company Dump Runz partnered with FireSmart to supply several large brush bins to Canadian Lakeview Estates along the far end of Tronson Road, allowing residents to remove flammable material from the area. This helped reduce the fuel load in one of Vernon's most wooded and exposed areas.
“The success of this effort speaks to the success of private companies working in cooperation with the community to solve problems,” said Scott Anderson, owner of Dump Runz.
For more information on the city's FireSmart program, or to book a free FireSmart home assessment, visit vernon.ca/firesmart or email firesmartcoordinator@vernon.ca.
