Bragg Creek Explores FireSmart Initiative

Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, click the link at the bottom of this post.

Several Bragg Creek and area residents, stakeholders and agencies have drafted a plan based on the Province's FireSmart initiative to help to mitigate the threat of wildfires to the community. The draft plan is known as the Greater Bragg Creek FireSmart Mitigation Strategy.
The plan development process included assessing present wildland/ urban interface site hazards, reviewing current and historic wildfire history in the area, studying existing municipal documents and guidelines directing development and reviewing present emergency fire response plans, interagency cooperation, and cross-training. Based on the findings, recommendations and an implementation strategy were developed using the seven disciplines of wildland/ urban interface approach.
1. Vegetation management
2. Development
3. Public education
4. Legislation
5. Interagency cooperation
6. Cross-training
7. Emergency planning
The draft of the plan can be read at:
www.rockyview.ca by following the tabs: Departments; Emergency Services; FireSmart.
Some residents are expressing concerns that this plan could increase logging in the Kananaskis area.
Others see the current emergency evacuation routes as a major problem.
FireSmart, an initiative of the Alberta Provincial Sustainable Resource Development department, helps protect homes and communities from the threat of wildfire. Using fire-resistant materials on buildings and following simple landscaping practices will help create a FireSmart community.
FireSmart...
·    Can reduce the likelihood of large uncontrollable wildfires in Alberta's forests.
·    Can improve the habitat for a number of species found in Alberta's forests.
·    Recognizes the benefit of introducing the controlled application of fire to sensitive and protected areas of the forest (prescribed fire).
·    Is built on partnerships between government, industry and homeowners.
Wildfires burn regardless of administrative boundaries.
Also on the Alberta Government's website at: http://srd.alberta.ca/Wildfire/FireSmart/Default.aspx you can find a Homeowners FireSmart Manual that contains tips, advice and a checklist.