By Ian Holmes

Some progress in combatting urban interface fires: B.C. Forest Practices Board

Sep 14, 2016 | 5:22 PM

NANAIMO — B.C.’s independent watchdog overseeing the forest industry is more optimistic about the challenge of protecting urban areas from interface fires.

B.C. Forest Practices Board chair Tim Ryan says an extra $10-million from the Ministry of Forests is a positive move in dealing with dangerous fuels surrounding many communities in the province.

“It appears people are all starting to appreciate the seriousness of the matter, there’s continued commitment on behalf of the province,” says Ryan.

Last year, the Forest Practices Board stated that only about 10-percent of the most hazardous fuels surrounding B.C. communities had been dealt with, since a report was issued, with recommendations, five years earlier.

Ryan says it will take more than just extra government cash and support however, adding that businesses like forest companies and volunteers are among those required to step up to the plate to protect our private and public lands.

grow local

'People can literally get their hands dirty:' Earth Day event to highlight Nanaimo food security

18m ago

murder trial

Closing arguments scheduled in trial of Nanaimo woman accused of dismembering ex boyfriend

14h ago

SAFE DIGGING

Nanaimo leads the Island region in underground gas line damages in 2023

15h ago

“Collectively lets have that discussion about we want to minimize the impact on our communities should a fire hit it, because we don’t want to have a Fort McMurray, or a Slave Lake, Alberta, or a West Kelowna.”

Locally, a prescribed burn took place recently in order to get rid of ignitable fuels in portions of 32-acre Oakdowne Community Park in the Bowser area.