The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is hosting more FireSmart events this month to help residents protect their homes and communities from wildfires.
The RDEK began a pair of debris bin events on Thursday in Rosin Lake and Wasa.
At Rosin Lake, the bin is located at the intersection of Roy and Peters Road, and will remain there until Thursday, August 15.
RDEK officials said the bin is limited to those along Roy & Peters Road and McLean Road.
Meanwhile, Wasa’s bin was placed at 6330 Ponderosa Road for residents of Ponderosa, Pine, Maple and Perch Road.
The bin will be available until Tuesday, August 13.
FireSmart bins will accept yard waste, brush, tree limbs up to five inches in diameter, leaves, grass clippings, weeds, tree needles and pine cones.
Yard waste, such as those mentioned above, can pose a fire risk to your property and community if they are not removed.
RDEK officials said you should make sure to clean out gutters and roofs, look under decks and other enclosed spaces and consider removing small coniferous trees.
Later this month, the RDEK will host a Chipping Event in Rosin Lake for Roy & Peters Road, McLean Road, Audia Road, Rosen Lake Road East, Legion Road, and Rosen Lake Strata residents.
You can pile up larger yard waste for collection on your property from August 16 to 20.
RDEK officials ask that you make sure to stay within several guidelines, such as cutting tree limbs or shrubs to one to two-and-a-half meter lengths, stacked six feet back from the road.
You can find the full list of guidance here.
The RDEK said chipping events can help you thin out branches, shrubs, and small trees that can serve as fuel for wildfires on your property.
Board Chair Rob Gay said following FireSmart guidance is an easy way to make sure your home is better protected.
“It teaches that things like shrubs right up against your house may not be a good idea,” said Gay.
“FireSmart principals talk about creating some open green space around your home, if you’re replacing your roof, use things that are less flammable than things like cedar shakes.”
Gay said everyone can play a role in fire prevention.
“There’s lots of things people can do at a personal level and a neighbourhood level. At a regional level, we try to get organized ourselves,” said Gay.
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