Bragg Creek Spruce Budworm Issues and FireSmart
At a recent town hall on the Western Spruce Budworm (WSB) infestation, the topics included the extent of the issue and potential actions, the current health of the forests, and the Redwood Meadows aerial spraying program.
Many parts of the Greater Bragg Creek area have a high or extreme FireSmart hazard rating, which is based on factors including the tree species, health and maturity of the forest, fuel loads, historic fire activity, and potential for property damage. The posting of the local wildfire hazard on signs and fire advisories or bans provides the current wildfire risk, which is separate from the underlying FireSmart hazard rating.
All panelists at the town session spoke to the benefits of FireSmart activities by landowners to protect persons and property. Rocky View County Reeve Henn and Councilor Kamachi were in attendance at the meeting and undertook to consult with the Province on potential strategies and activities to address the current WSB outbreak.
Emergency Preparedness
The smoke from the BC wildfires is a reminder that wildfires are part of the natural life cycle of our forests. The Lytton, BC fire underscores the need to be prepared for a potential short notice evacuation. Check out the GBC FireSmart Committee Facebook page and FireSmart Canada website for hints on preparing a “bug-out” kit and evacuation checklist (including your critters).
RVC Fire & Emergency Services undertook a “table top” evacuation exercise in April to plan and practice various scenarios for the Bragg Creek area. An emergency evacuation drill is planned for early November 2021.
FireSmart Exposure & Pathway Study
Bragg Creek is one of several Alberta communities working with the University of Alberta on an innovative study. The exposure analysis is an in-depth examination of the predicted wildfire hazard to area structures, with the pathway study using computer models to predict the routes of fires under varying weather conditions and ignition points. Recent lightning strikes in Redwood Meadows once more underscore that fires can start anywhere. These studies will assist with prioritizing areas for future FireSmart programs. The information also will assist emergency planning by predicting the durability of evacuation routes or sheltering locations.
Wild Rose Community Clean Up/Chipper Day
Kudos to the Wild Rose Community and Jeff Hughes at TreeWorx (who volunteered his time and equipment) for a recent community clean-up and Chipper Day, followed by a BBQ. Great work by all!
GBC FireSmart Committee Changes
Andrea Sparkes and Charlie McLean have tendered their resignations from our Committee. Andrea is the spark plug behind the Facebook page and led the Committee’s interactions with the Banded Peak School Change maker program. Charlie was a key to making the Chipper Days an ongoing success. Their valuable counsel and contributions will be missed. RVC will shortly be seeking new members on the Committee.
RVC has appointed District Chiefs Hubbard and Clarke to the Committee, both who have extensive experience with FireSmart activities. We wish to acknowledge the enthusiasm and contributions of DC Marcus Weckesser who was instrumental in the restart of the FireSmart Committee, and in particular the success of the Chipper Day programs.
