What matters

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire preparedness has to be a priority for Harrison Hot Springs.

We are surrounded by forest, we have one main route in and out of the Village, and during the summer we can have thousands of visitors here who may not know our community or our evacuation procedures.

Our first goal should be reducing the risk before a wildfire starts.

That means continuing FireSmart work, managing vegetation where appropriate, identifying areas of concern and working with neighbouring communities, First Nations, the Province and other agencies responsible for the lands surrounding Harrison.

Preparedness also means knowing what happens if a wildfire threatens the Village.

Residents need clear information about evacuation procedures, how warnings will be communicated and where they are expected to go. We also need a plan for visitors who may have no idea where to go during an emergency.

Just as importantly, residents need confidence that the professionals responsible for responding to an emergency have the training, equipment and resources they need and that emergency plans are regularly practised.

A plan should not simply sit on a shelf. Exercises help identify communication problems, equipment needs and gaps in a response before we are facing a real wildfire.

Wildfire preparedness also needs to be connected to our emergency access planning. Protecting our existing route in and out of Harrison is critical while we continue looking at realistic options for another emergency route.

Residents have a responsibility to prepare their homes and families, but local government also has a responsibility to reduce risk, plan ahead and be ready.

We cannot eliminate the risk of wildfire, but we can do everything reasonably possible to make Harrison better prepared if one occurs.