The province of B.C. is shifting how it responds to wildfires, emphasizing risk mitigation and preparation, along with reacting to fires when they happen.<\/p>\n
Len Youden is the FireSmart Coordinator<\/a> for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, a program funded by the province.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one knows what this season will be like,\u201d he said, \u201cbut we\u2019re all pretty confident in the next one to three years, we\u2019re going to have another record wildfire season.\u201d<\/p>\n Youden\u2019s role is to help property owners in the regional district reduce the likelihood that their home or property will catch on fire from a wildfire. With this extended, rainy, mild spring, Youden says people are letting their guard down.<\/p>\n \u201cLook long-term,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cIf each of us had a plan over the course of the next one to three years to reduce our individual property risk, when, inevitably we are threatened by a wildfire, we\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Revelstoke is in the regional district\u2019s electoral district b. Youden\u2019s program is funded to assist rural property owners in the district. The province is responsible for Crown land, and the city of Revelstoke is responsible for the municipality through a service agreement with the regional district.<\/p>\n Through his program, Youden says property owners can assess the risk on their land themselves, using information on the regional district\u2019s website. Or, they can ask someone from the FireSmart program to come and assess their property, for free. People who implement recommendations from the program are eligible for a rebate of up to $500 to cover the costs.<\/p>\n \u201cIn most cases there\u2019s still a very limited understanding in what causes home ignition.\u201d Youden said.<\/p>\n Most factors that will determine if a house survives or if it doesn\u2019t, are inside ten feet of a property. It can be as simple as making sure gutters are free of debris.<\/p>\n Last year, so many people applied for a rebate that they had to refill the funding pot.<\/p>\n Youden\u2019s been in his role for four years. Every year, the province is more supportive of the program, he said.<\/p>\n