In It Together: Emergency Partners Celebrate Community Wildfire Preparedness

Last week, hundreds of residents took part in Emergency Preparedness Week pop-up events and Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 9. Comox Valley Emergency Management (CVEM) and the Comox Valley FireSmart™ Collaborative are grateful for that collective energy and are asking every resident to keep the momentum going.

"We've had great conversations with families, renters, seniors, and newcomers, all asking the same question: what can I do to get ready? Preparedness looks different for everyone, and many left with a plan that fits their life. That is Comox Valley recognizing we are in it together," said Cari McIntyre, Manager, Comox Valley Emergency Management. "Preparedness starts where you live, and it ripples out to everyone around you."

In these conditions, anything can start a fire.

"Sparks from a hot tailpipe, power equipment, or a glass bottle left in the sun can ignite dry grass in seconds." says Lt. Ian Robertson, Chair of the Comox Valley FireSmart™ Collaborative and member of Courtenay Fire Dept. "Those embers can then travel up to 10 kilometres on the wind and land on rooftops, decks, and in yards, before there are visible flames and smoke. Most fires in the wildland urban interface are human caused. Most can be prevented."

To help reduce this risk, the Comox Valley FireSmart™ Collaborative is extending the free yard waste drop-off program into June for residents clearing leaves and woody debris around their yards, gutters and property. Visit https://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/firesmart for accepted materials, locations, and hours.

We are doing our part. We are asking you to do yours.

• Make sure your home or tenant insurance is current and know what it covers. If evacuated, your policy may cover temporary living expenses
• Make sure your grab and go bag is ready for everyone in your household, including pets.
• Get to know your neighbors as they are an important part of your immediate community.
• Request a free FireSmart™ Home Ignition Zone, Neighbourhood or Farm assessment visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/firesmart.
• Sign up to get notified with emergency notifications in the Comox Valley, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/getnotified.

Visit www.firesmartbc.ca to download the BC Wildfire app and learn more reducing the risk of fire on your property.
Download free preparedness guides on wildfire, extreme heat, and more www.preparedbc.ca.

Comox Valley Emergency Management (CVEM) is a regional service administered by the Comox Valley Regional District in partnership with the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland, Town of Comox and K'ómoks First Nation to provide emergency management services and support to the region.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K'ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.

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Media Contact:

Cari McIntyre
Manager, Comox Valley Emergency Management
250-334-6096