Sicamous properties are smartening up with help from Sicamous Fire Rescue's FireSmart team.
A media release from the District of Sicamous said that while FireSmart services are available to property owners all year, from spring to fall special priority is given to conducting assessments and helping with vegetation clearing and other wildfire mitigation efforts.
"This season brings a renewed focus on wildfire risk and outdoor property safety," the release reads. "But at Sicamous Fire Rescue, fire prevention remains a core priority 鈥� from the outside in."
In an update to council at the April 9 Committee of the Whole meeting, FireSmart coordinator Travis Lansing said that starting last year, the team had moved to Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) assessments that are more in depth and provide better results.
"While these assessments do take longer to complete," he said. "They do provide homeowners with a much more detailed and personalized recommendation for wildfire reduction and risk removal."
Another benefit of the program, added Lansing, is that some home insurance companies, such as BCAA, offer discounts to property owners who complete the assessment and do the mitigation work.
"This is another way that FireSmart doesn't just improve safety," he added. "But it actually does provide financial incentive and benefits."
Residents can book a free assessment and, at the same time get the crew's help with home escape planning and design, installation guidance for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, kitchen and cooking safety education, and "much more tailored to your home and lifestyle."
Booking a FireSmart assessments and any questions can be directed to Lansing at firesmart@sicamous.ca.
