A little hard work can help minimize the threat of wildfire.
Crews from the Vernon Fire Department and the B.C. Wildfire Service held FireSmart demonstrations at Canadian Lakeview Estates Monday and Tuesday.
“They (residents) got an idea of the work entailed,” said Lawrie Skolrood, deputy fire chief.
“It’s not an easy job but it’s a case of putting on some work gloves and getting at it.”
As part of the project, the crews and resident volunteers trimmed limbs and removed dead underbrush, as well as cleaned up other debris.
“We reduced the fire risk in the Deer Park area which had been overgrown for a number of years,” said Skolrood, adding that the goal is to encourage FireSmart and not to remove all vegetation.
“We’re not asking people to cut down their favourite tree but to modify their yard a bit.”
About 20 residents helped with the demonstration.
“With the Fort McMurray situation, people are more aware of their surroundings and they want to protect themselves,” said Skolrood.