Mac Olsen
Express Staff
smokyriverexpress.com
It was only a wooden model, consisting of a couple of replica cabins and branches for trees, but the fire that lit shows just how important it is for those living in cabins to be prepared.
Fire Chief Marcel Maure of Smoky River Emergency Services held this demonstration for residents of the 5 Star Golf Course, located approximately 35 km of Falher, in the afternoon of June 23. He set up the model on a picnic table and lit the fire to show how fast it could spread – and the damage it could do.
One cabin model suffered damage to the back side, while the other wasn’t affected. Many of the “trees” were nothing more than matchsticks when they finished burning.
“It’s to educate residents about how to make their year-round lots safer,” says Maure.
“Safety starts with you.”
Maure received a $500 grant from FireSmart Canada to host the demonstration at the 5 Star Golf Course. As per the FireSmart Canada website, at firesmartcanada.ca:
“FireSmart is living with and managing for wildfire on our landscape. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. From home owners, to industry and government we all have responsibility to lessen the effects of wildfire. Wildland Urban Interface is a popular term used to describe an area where structures and forested areas meet.”
The website also discusses the Wildland Urban Interface.
“Simply put, Wildland Urban Interface is where the urban lifestyle meets environments that are prone to wildfire. By choosing to extend our lifestyle and communities further into forested areas, we become more exposed to the danger of wildfire.
“FireSmart Canada helps you understand the potential of wildfire affecting your home and your community.”
More information about fire prevention can be found on their website, and check their Twitter account, #IAMFireSmart.
Also on hand for the fire demonstration was Andrea Coote, a wildfire technologist for Alberta Forestry and Agriculture in Peace River. Her role is wildfire prevention, which includes vegetation removal and fire suppression techniques.
Besides the fire demonstration, Maure and other firefighters held a barbecue of hot dogs and hamburgers for residents.
