The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has adopted a region-wide plan to guide wildfire resilience.
The East Kootenay Community Wildfire Resilience Plan (CWRP) provides a region-wide framework for wildfire planning, projects, grant applications, advocacy and coordination with provincial and other partners.
“A lot has changed since our last plan was completed over 10 years ago. Wildfire risk has changed, more development has happened in the wildland–urban interface, and we’ve learned a great deal from our own experience with wildfire mitigation and emergency planning,” said Sloane More, Emergency & Disaster Mitigation Coordinator, RDEK.
“This plan gives us a current, practical roadmap to help set priorities, pursue funding and work with our partners to build wildfire resilience across the region.”
The CWRP replaces the RDEK’s 2011 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. It reflects changes in wildfire risk, development in the wildland–urban interface, provincial programs, FireSmart practices and local experience.
Nupqu developed the plan, with an independent Registered Professional Forester leading the assessment of wildfire risks across the region.
It covers the seven FireSmart disciplines: education, legislation and planning, development considerations, interagency cooperation, cross-training, emergency planning and vegetation management.
The plan also covers land-use planning, emergency preparedness, public education, infrastructure protection, property-level risk reduction and coordination among governments, First Nations, agencies, fire departments, residents and landowners.
The CWRP includes a regional overview and information specific to each of the RDEK’s six Electoral Areas.
Wildfire risk varies across the region based on terrain, development patterns, access and egress, forest conditions and critical infrastructure.
“Having a current plan is also an eligibility requirement for local governments applying for FireSmart funding through Union of BC Municipalities, so this was another important driver behind getting the Plan completed and adopted,” adds More.
To read more about the CWRP visit, visit rdek.bc.ca.
Comments