Following the lead of neighbouring Armstrong, the Township of Spallumcheen has selected the heads of its FireSmart program.
Marc and Alexis Szarek, the founders of Bloom Flower Festivals, have been appointed as the dual FireSmart coordinators to lead wildfire preparedness efforts for the township.
乌鸦传媒淎lexis and Marc provide such value to the program as they are a part of our agricultural community with strong ties in the community," said Mayor Christine Fraser. "As a team they bring knowledge and first hand experience in both large scale event management and first hand firefighting. We are excited to have them help us ensure our community is prepared in the event of wildfire.乌鸦传媒�
With the recent rise in large-scale wildfires, including last summer's , the township has been working over the past three years to make FireSmarting a commitment.
The FireSmart coordinator position is fully funded through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Resiliency Initiative program, which aims to enhance community resilience by implementing FireSmart principles.
Alexis and Marc will focus on strengthening wildfire resilience across the community.
There are a number of proactive measures the FireSmart program will take to reduce wildfire risks and educate residents, including:
乌鸦传媒� Hosting neighbourhood block parties 乌鸦传媒� Targeting high-risk neighbourhoods along the wildland-urban interface to provide hands-on education and mitigation strategies.
乌鸦传媒� Expanding neighbourhood recognition 乌鸦传媒� Encouraging local champions to participate in the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program.
乌鸦传媒� Conducting home ignition zone (HIZ) assessments 乌鸦传媒� Helping homeowners access FireSmart rebate programs by identifying and mitigating wildfire risks around their properties.
乌鸦传媒� Engaging with municipal neighbours 乌鸦传媒� Engaging with the North Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap FireSmart Resiliency Committees to align Spallumcheen乌鸦传媒檚 strategies with broader regional efforts.
乌鸦传媒� Launching a FireSmart-specific newsletter 乌鸦传媒� Providing direct updates and resources to residents to enhance wildfire preparedness and resiliency without relying on third-party platforms.
乌鸦传媒� Hosting quarterly public meetings 乌鸦传媒� Providing residents with updates on FireSmart initiatives, risk assessments, and upcoming events.
乌鸦传媒淭he safety and preparedness of our residents remain a top priority for council,乌鸦传媒� said Fraser. 乌鸦传媒淭hrough the FireSmart program, Marc and Alexis will provide education, resources, and direct support to homeowners and neighbourhoods at risk of wildfire. Council is committed to ensuring long-term wildfire resiliency in our community.乌鸦传媒�
To contact Alexis or Marc about FireSmarting or the township's FireSmart program, email firesmart@spallumcheen.bc.ca or get in touch through the township municipal office.
The Hullcar area is the first neighbourhood in Spallumcheen to receive official recognition from the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program. More neighbourhoods and communities are encouraged to apply.
In late February the City of Armstrong as its new FireSmart coordinator.