FireSmart Community Champion Workshop

June 11, 2016 (8:30am - 1:00pm)

Local residents gather to address community wildfire preparations.  In conjunction with FireSmart Canada,the City of Fernie is launching the FireSmart Community Recognition Program to significantly reduce our community's vulnerability to wildfire.  

As a first step, the Fernie Fire Department is conducting a half-day Community Champion Workshop between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 11 at the Elks Hall (491 – 1st Avenue), Fernie.  The Workshop is open to all civic-minded residents with concerns about wildfire protection and a willingness to work with their neighbours to take the initiative in reducing wildfire risks.  No prior knowledge or experience is required, just an interest in avoiding disasters like the one unfolding in northern Alberta – or that was experienced in the City of Fernie in 1908. Participants will learn how to recognize wildfire hazards, and how residents can build simple solutions into an action plan that reduces the risk of home ignition and wildfire losses in their neighbourhood.  Implementing that plan is part of a process leading to national recognition!

As we are seeing in recent years, large wildfires are becoming increasingly more frequent and fire seasons are longer. As well, the amount of fuel available to feed intense wildfires is accumulating, and more people are living in forested areas. In these circumstances, even the most well prepared and aggressive fire responses will be overwhelmed, unless residents take actions well in advance to make their property and homes less vulnerable. There are many small ways of doing this – that make a big difference. Disasters are not inevitable, and tragedies can be avoided! 

Attend the FireSmart Community Champion Workshop, and see how you and your neighbours can instigate effective “neighbours helping neighbours” solutions that reduce the risk of wildfire losses.

Lunch and refreshments are provided.  To learn more about the Fernie Community Champion Workshop and to reserve a space, please send an e-mail to: firesmart@fernie.ca  with your name, phone number, street address and e-mail address.