Being Fire Safe Keeps Our Forests and Communities Safe
Following two record-breaking wildfire seasons in BC, Vancouver Island is again facing increased fire risk. Unfortunately, most wildfires are caused by people inadvertently.
By taking steps to raise awareness, we can all reduce the risk to people, our forests and homes.
At Mosaic Forest Management, fire prevention and rapid response is a high priority.
In addition to formal coordination with the Provincial Wildfire Response program, we have invested in our own wildfire management capability together with our contractors, including:
Daily aerial and ground-based surveillance
Helicopter-based rapid attack
About 100 all-terrain fire trucks
Well-stocked depots with pumps and hoses in depots located across our land base
Trained crews in initial attack and forest fire fighting, serving as a critical first line of defence
Twenty-four remote, state-of-the-art weather stations with satellite uplinks for monitoring and forecasting of fire risk.
We will take preventative measures when the fire risk is too high, limiting access to forest lands. This helps protect the forests and the safety of our neighbours.
During high fire risk, we modify operations to run equipment in the early morning and evening when fire risk is lower – or cease operations altogether when necessary.
What you can do
Watch for and comply with campfire bans and backcountry restrictions that alert to hazards.
Report smoke or other signs of wildfire immediately: Call the BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cellphone.
Educate yourself on being Fire Smart and how to protect your family and your property from wildfire – www.firesmartbc.ca
Spread the word: Let your friends and family know what to do if they see a forest fire – and about forest fire prevention.
Here are some more fire smart tips.
Campfires
Never have a campfire when it’s windy.
Always ensure you extinguish your campfire by pouring plenty of water on the fire and surrounding area.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Keep your fire size small.
Always follow bans and restrictions when a high fire danger rating is in effect.
Recreational vehicles
Be aware that hot exhaust pipes on all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes can easily ignite dry grass areas.
Smoking
Always put out your cigarettes and dispose of them safely.
Consider butting out in a water-filled ashtray.
Hunting / Target Shooting
Bullets can cause ignition in dry conditions.
Being fire safe keeps our forests and communities safe.
Media Inquiries
Karen Brandt
Director, Government Relations & Strategic Engagement
Phone: 250-716-3718
Karen.Brandt@MosaicForests.com