Among all the shocking and devastating images and the thousands of heartbreaking words dedicated to the fierce wildfire that ripped through Jasper National Park, these particular words echo days and weeks later:
“Pine cones hatched like popcorn in the intense heat.”
This image is painted by Fakiha Baig, of The Canadian Press, in a story about how it could take decades for Jasper to recover.
The memories will likely take equally long to fade for the 5,000 residents and 20,000 visitors who ran from the blaze on July 22.
With several fires currently bearing down on the Sea to Sky Corridor—and the small fire sparked by the Mamquam River on Sunday—most of us likely have had the thought that we, so far, have just been very lucky here in Squamish.
But if not now, we know it is only a matter of when, not if, a big wildfire comes for us.
It is easy to get overwhelmed and throw up our hands. But every resident, homeowner or tenant can do a little that might help a lot.
Yes, talk of FireSmarting your home is not sexy; readers’ eyes are likely glazing over, but sometimes practical beats flashy, and empowerment beats doing nothing or standing around arguing about who is to blame.
Our firefighters aren’t doing the latter; they just rush to the flames, as a three-strong crew did this weekend, heading to the Birkenhead Lake fire. Let’s make it so our local crews have fewer reasons to have to rush toward wildfire to protect us.
You, yes, you, are responsible for protecting your home in the event of a large wildfire.
“The fire department can not provide every person and home with individual protection during a major wildfire. You are responsible for your home’s fire safety,” reads a BC FireSmart tip page.
Here are some relatively easy FireSmart steps we can all take to better the chances of our home withstanding an approaching wildfire.
•Make sure there are no tree branches or other vegetation overhanging your roof.
•Every inside corner of your roof is a place where debris and embers can collect, so clean them regularly.
•Move propane tanks 10 metres from your house.
•Keep grass cut to less than 10 centimetres high because fires can ignite and travel quickly through long grass.
•Wooden fences create a direct path from the fire to your home. Separating your house from a wooden fence with a metal gate can slow the advance of a fire.
There are many more easy to understand tips at firesmartbc.ca.
And, of course, to report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
