A Blind Bay neighbourhood has been recognized for its fire smarts. 

The Cedar Heights Community Centre in Electoral Area G, recently joined the ranks of FireSmart Canada recognized neighbourhoods. To do so, residents developed a plan to identify potential hazards and reduce their wildfire risk, said the Columbia Shuswap Regional District in an Oct. 23 media release. Recently, Cedar Heights residents conducted a neighbourhood cleanup that filled two large disposal bins with potential wildfire fuel.

The CSRD assisted the event, providing the bins for the yard-waste disposal.

The community also hired tree fallers to remove 25 hazardous trees, as well as clearing debris and low-lying branches in forested zones closest to neighbouring homes. A summer student also worked on upkeep of the community centre鈥檚 FireSmart efforts.

鈥淲orking together, the community volunteers did a fantastic job with the cleanup,鈥� said Sophie Randell, CSRD FireSmart Coordinator. 鈥淲e know that reducing wildfire risk starts with your own property, but getting together as a group makes the entire area safer for everyone.鈥�

FireSmart neighbourhoods can be of varying sizes. In the case of the Cedar Heights Community Centre, 28 volunteers assisted with the neighbourhood cleanup, said the CSRD. 

As part of the recognition, the community received a sign to post in their area, identifying them as a FireSmart Community. They will be able to continue their work and have the sign updated annually.

鈥淚鈥檓 very proud of the Cedar Heights鈥� Community Centre鈥檚 efforts,鈥� noted Electoral Area G director Natalya Melnychuk at the October CSRD board meeting. 鈥淚t鈥檚 wonderful to see the community doing this type of work and I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing their recognition sign.鈥�

The CSRD wants to add more FireSmart Communities to the list, helping to further reduce fire risk across the region. For more information, visit csrd.bc.ca or email firesmart@csrd.bc.ca.