BANFF – Banff community teams in Valleyview, Middle Springs and other areas near the town perimeter are rallying their neighbours to participate in the May 11 Wildfire Hazards Cleanup Day.
As part of the Banff FireSmart program, homeowners and residents are encouraged to help reduce the risk of wildfire jumping into town by cleaning up yard debris and pruning branches close to buildings.
“By spending a few hours this Saturday collecting branches, needles and other natural debris, residents can significantly reduce the source of fuel that could allow wildfire to spread in Banff,” said Fire Chief Silvio Adamo.
“We also want residents – especially those living near the forested edge of town – to identify any coniferous trees growing within 10 metres of their homes, and consider removing them, or pruning all lower branches to reduce the threat of those branches become a flaring torch that can ignite the house.”
The Town of Banff will help chip and remove branches and debris in pre-registered FireSmart communities.
Residents in any neighbourhood can have piled or bundled branches, vegetation and yard debris removed for free, by calling Town of Banff Operations at 403-762-1240 to request curbside collection after the May 11 cleanup day.
“People can be reluctant to remove trees, but they have to recognize the hazard those conifers create, as well as the debris that has accumulated over the winter,” said Adamo.
The FireSmart guideline is to remove all combustible material, or flammable vegetation, from within 1.5 metres of your home, and ensure conifers are 10 metres or more away from structures. Conifers should have all branches removed within two metres of the ground.
Dry bark mulch popular with gardeners may also provide a route for embers to spark fires on decks, fences or houses. Certain trees and shrubs should be avoided too. Rockery junipers, mungo pines or cedar bushes can easily flare up on a hot summer day and ignite the house.
For more information on the FireSmart program, email [email protected] or call 403-762-1256.
Visit banff.ca/FireSmart for tips on reducing fire hazards in your yard.
