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Factsheets

Yard

Living where wildfires can occur puts our homes at risk, but it is possible to live safely and resiliently with wildfire. The choices we make about our homes and properties – out to 100 metres from the foundation – can greatly reduce vulnerability to wildfire.

Windows & Doors

Flames and radiant heat can break the glass in a window and allow fire to enter the interior of a home. Gaps at the top, bottom and edges of exterior doors (front door, garage door, etc.) can allow embers to enter and ignite combustible materials within the home and garage.

Siding

Some types of siding materials, such as vinyl, can melt when exposed to high temperatures, allowing the fire to reach the underlying wall components and penetrate the interior of the building.

Roof

The roof is the most vulnerable component of your home. Sparks and burning embers from a wildfire can travel long distances and quickly ignite flammable roofing material and/or combustible debris on the roof.

Gutters, Eaves & Vents

The gutters on your home provide a place for combustible debris to accumulate, and open eaves create an entry point for sparks and embers. Combustible debris can accumulate at the vents and openings on your home and be ignited by embers during a wildfire.

Fences

Combustible wood fences and boardwalks create a direct line to your home and can contribute to the spread of wildfire.

Factsheet: Decks and Porches

Many homes have attached decks, which can spread fire directly to the home when ignited during a wildfire. The materials used to build the deck, combustible materials stored on and under the deck, and the vegetation around it all contribute to how vulnerable a deck will be to ignition during a wildfire.

Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire

Cultural burning and prescribed fire are land management tools that can help maintain the health and safety of our forests, communities, and wildlife. Prescribed fire is the planned and controlled application of fire to a specific land area and is one of the most ecologically appropriate and relatively efficient means for achieving a variety of land management objectives, including wildfire risk reduction for protection of communities and critical infrastructure.

FireSmartBC Information Sheet

The FireSmartBC Information Sheet was developed to provide an overview of resources, training, and materials available.

Factsheet: FireSmart Disciplines

FireSmart™ comprises of seven disciplines: Education, Vegetation Management, Legislation and Planning, Development Considerations, Interagency Cooperation, Cross-training Emergency Planning. Together, these disciplines create a framework for how FireSmart addresses wildfire at the home, community and provincial levels.

Factsheet: Funding Opportunities

When homeowners implement FireSmart building and landscaping guidelines, sprinkler technologies can increase a structure’s chance of withstanding a severe wildfire.

Factsheet: Prescribed Fire

This factsheet outlines the planned and controlled application of fire to a specific land area and is one of the most ecologically appropriate and relatively efficient means for achieving planned public safety and resource management objectives, for example to enhance a habitat, prepare an area for tree planting or for disease eradication.

Factsheet: Exterior Home Sprinklers and Structure Protection Units

When homeowners implement FireSmart building and landscaping guidelines, sprinkler technologies can increase a structure’s chance of withstanding a severe wildfire.

BC Building Codes 2018

The BC Building Code (BCBC) is a provincial regulation that governs how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions are completed. This code establishes minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings and energy and water efficiency. It applies throughout the province except for some federal lands and the City of Vancouver.