The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is hosting a Community FireSmart Clean-up and Chipping event on Saturday, October 17, 2020. The event will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. at West Bench Elementary School field in Electoral Area “F”. Remove flammable debris from your property and participate in this community event.
Changes made to the areas closest to your home will have the greatest impact on reducing the risk of wildfire damage. Being FireSmart is a shared responsibility. You and your neighbours have a role to play in reducing the wildfire threat to your homes. “This event provides Greater West Bench residents with an opportunity to help protect their properties,” says Area “F” Director Riley Gettens. “The RDOS is encouraging residents throughout the Regional District to be proactive when it comes to the threat of wildfires.”
Funding for the Community FireSmart Clean-up and Chipping event is provided by the Community Resiliency Investment Program.
The following materials will be accepted for chipping:
· Leaves
· Twigs
· Branches
· Grass clippings
· Wood up to 40 cm (15 in) on diameter
The following materials will not be accepted at the chipping event: rocks, roots, pressure-treated lumber, cattails, reeds, bamboo, vines, kitchen by-products, manufactured paper products such as baseball cards or newspapers), plastic, metal, glass, fish and fish by-products and any other material not found in normal yard or lawn waste.
You can find FireSmart resource links and information including FireSmart Community Assessment reports at https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/resources/
