FireSmart Home Owners Manual - Wildfire Management Branch

6Don’t Be the Cause of a WildfireInterface fires often start as smallaccidental ignitions. FireSmartstandards are aimed at helpinginterface residents to preventinterface fires from starting.FireSmart your chimneyChimneys should be constructedto meet current British Columbiabuilding code requirements andshould have approved sparkarrestors.Burn barrelsBurn barrels should be located wellaway from buildings and othercombustible items. Burn barrelsshould have proper ventilation,screens and should never be left burningunattended. For safer disposal,bring your debris to a landfill site.Power lines and propane tanksVegetation should be cleared wellback from power lines, propane tanksand other fuel supplies.Emergency facilitiesFireSmart building sites haveadequate emergency vehicle access,with an on-site emergency water supply(pool, pond or tank).Contact utility companies for clearing of vegetationunder overhead electrical installations.Shovels and rakesEvery home should have shovels, rakes, axes, garden hoses, sprinklers and roofladders to assist in suppressing wildfires.PHOTO: BRIAN MOTTUS