Cedar Heights Community Centre becomes a FireSmart Neighbourhood

CSRD Media Release

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is celebrating the Cedar Heights Community Centre in Electoral Area G becoming a FireSmart Canada Recognized Neighbourhood.

Residents developed a plan to identify potential hazards and reduce their wildfire risk. Recently, they conducted a neighbourhood cleanup effort that filled two large disposal bins with potential wildfire fuel. The CSRD assisted the event by providing the bins for the yard-waste disposal.

The community also hired tree fallers to remove 25 hazardous trees, as well as clearing debris and low-lying branches in forested zones closest to neighbouring homes. A summer student also worked on continued upkeep of the community centre’s FireSmart efforts.

“Working together, the community volunteers did a fantastic job with the cleanup,” says Sophie Randell, CSRD FireSmart Coordinator. “We know that reducing wildfire risk starts with your own property, but getting together as a group makes the entire area safer for everyone.”

FireSmart neighbourhoods can be of varying sizes. In the case of the Cedar Heights Community Centre, 28 volunteers assisted with the neighbourhood cleanup.

As part of the recognition, the community received a sign to post in their area, identifying them as a FireSmart Community. They will be able to continue their work and have the sign updated annually.

“I’m very proud of the Cedar Heights’ Community Centre’s efforts,” noted Electoral Area G Director Natalya Melnychuk at the October Regular Board Meeting. “It’s wonderful to see the community doing this type of work and I’m looking forward to seeing their recognition sign.”

The CSRD wants to add more FireSmart Communities to the list, helping to further reduce fire risk across the region. For more information, please see the FireSmart in the CSRD webpage or email firesmart@csrd.bc.ca.

A group of volunteers gather to celebrate the Cedar Heights Community Centre earning the FireSmart Neighbourhood designation (photo credit: CSRD)