Wildfire Interface Management

Following the presentation in spring 2008 of the B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd report “Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the Slocan Valley” to the Fire Protection and Emergency Services branch of the Regional District of Central Kootenay, SIFCo commenced a mapping process to review Wildfire-Human Interface issues on the Slocan Community Forest landbase. The SIFCo mapping process outlined areas with very high risk and consequences (226 hectares), high fire risk and consequences (675 hectares), moderate, moderate to low and low risk and consequences. The SIFCo mapping process used a methodology that included proximity to homes, fuel load, forest type and level of consequence if a fire occurred. To view the maps click here >>

In the spring of 2009 a Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Protection Program began in a few locations outlined in the mapping process that have very high of high risk and consequences if a fire was to occur. The project was funded with grants received through the Job Opportunities Program ($221,675) of the government of BC and the Columbia Basin Trust ($25,000).

The project aimed at enhancing community safety and fire preparedness by reducing fuel loading. Treatment goals were to reduce lower canopy, ground, and ladder fuel loading, to alter the size classes of fuels, and to reduce horizontal and vertical fuel continuity. The project lead to:

1. reduction in opportunities for ignition,
2. reduction in the intensity and rate of spread of a wildfire if it was to occur,
3. reduction in the potential impact to adjacent communities if a wildfire was to occur,

Work was carried out by a 6 person crew with one supervisor. Displaced forest workers were employed.

In 2010-11, another $247,000 was invested in the Slocan Valley and SIFCo treated 30 hectares within the village of New Denver. SIFCo is committed to finding ways to carry on Interface work in the Slocan Valley.

Now in 2012-13, SIFCo is working with the Village of Silverton to treat 47 Hectares of land between the Village and the Red Mountain resident area. If you are interested in working with us, please download an application form here >>