The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) will be hosting an informative fire safety event next month.
On Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the RDOS FireSmart team will be in Hedley to conduct its educational and interactive fire safety event which will take place at Woodlie Park. RDOS will be working in partnership with the Hedley FireSmart Community Board and FireSmart BC.
FireSmart BC has also partnered with the British Columbia Automobile Association, which has allowed for funding to make the event in Hedley possible.
Local FireSmart representative and chair of the Hedley FireSmart Community Board, Gillian Welton, said the partnership helps increase wildlife resilience throughout the province through a targeted outreach program.
"This program aims to support at-risk communities across the province, and establish and sustain FireSmart programs," she said.
RDOS staff and representatives will be on hand to demonstrate a FireSmart assessment of the Hedley Museum and will be promoting future assessments and chipping events which will be held in May. Various groups in the community, such as the Hedley Museum and the Hedley Fire Department, will be participating in activities throughout the day.
The Hedley Library will be providing activities for children, and Ember the FireSmart Fox will be visiting to teach the community how to apply FireSmart principles to their homes and properties so they can be more resilient against the threat of wildfires. Free burgers and hot dogs will also be available for lunch, as well as prizes during games and activities.
"The FireSmart Information event is an opportunity to learn more about reducing the risk of fire on your property by cleaning up trees, shrubs, and branches," RDOS chair Mark Pendergraft stated.
