DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is encouraging eligible residents to take advantage of a free support program designed to help reduce wildfire risks around their homes.
The program continues as wildfire seasons continue to grow longer and more intense across British Columbia.
Through the PRRD’s FireSmart program, professional crews from Mammoth Forestry will complete hands-on wildfire mitigation work for qualifying homeowners at no cost.
The initiative is aimed at supporting seniors, people with limited mobility, and other vulnerable residents who may need assistance carrying out FireSmart activities on their properties.
Services available through the program include clearing gutters, removing yard brush, pruning trees, removing combustible materials near homes, chipping wood, and completing ladder work that homeowners may not be able to safely perform themselves.
According to the PRRD, residents may qualify for the free service if they are 65 years of age or older, have limited mobility, or belong to a vulnerable population requiring FireSmart assistance.
Residents interested in the program can request an assessment or learn more about available supports by contacting the PRRD FireSmart team by email or phone.
Hazard and risk engagement sessions planned
The regional district is also inviting residents to participate in a second round of public engagement sessions as part of the development of a new Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA).
Community engagement events are scheduled to take place between August 11 and August 23.
The upcoming sessions will build on feedback gathered earlier this year, when residents identified hazards and risks affecting their communities.
This next phase will focus on sharing the results of that feedback and discussing actions that can help reduce and manage those risks in the future.
The PRRD says the engagement process is being conducted in partnership with local municipalities and is intended to help shape emergency planning and preparedness efforts throughout the region.