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Wildfire Risk Reduction With unprecedented damaging wildfire seasons in British Columbia’s recent history, we’ve all seen the important fire suppression work of the BC Wildfire Service. One of FESBC’s key mandates is to support these wildfire mitigation efforts by providing funding for wildfire risk reduction projects that prevent catastrophic wildfires in high to extreme risk areas. This is accomplished by reducing and managing forest fuels around communities, physical infrastructure, wildlife habitat, emergency access and escape routes, and then planting trees to accelerate post-wildfire recovery. In addition, homeowners are being asked to play a bigger role in implementing FireSmart measures to help protect their properties. The staff at FESBC have become involved by working with the FireSmart steering committee and distributing FireSmart materials all over the province. Here are a few wildfire risk reduction projects we are funding to do this important, proactive work.
“ The District of Mackenzie is very grateful for the support from FESBC. Mackenzie is a ‘one road in, one road out’ community and having a secure egress route in the event of a wildfire has been an ongoing concern. The safety of our community is our top priority and funding provided by FESBC will allow wildfire mitigation prescriptions to be carried out along the Highway 39 corridor.” • Joan Atkinson, Mayor of Mackenzie
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