FireSmart preparation beginning to ramp up in the city

May 30, 2022 | 7:09 AM Vern Strecheniuk

MERRITT – As the temperatures start to get hotter and we start getting into summer, it’s time to start FireSmarting your property.

“FireSmart is a program that we are using to bring awareness and educate the community on how they can get their homes ready for the wildfire season,” said Fire Fighter with the Merritt Fire Rescue Department and Local FireSmart Representative, Steve Rempel.

The Merritt Fire Rescue Department added they are offering to come to residents’ homes to review the property and provide recommendations on how to become better prepared in the case of a fire.

Some of the projects the crew will be looking for include:

Roofing material including gutters, vents and openings
- Gutters
- Vents
- Openings
Building exterior or siding
Windows & doors
Balcony
Deck
Porches
Combustibles
Outbuildings
Trees
Surface vegetation

“These don’t need to be large projects, they can be smaller scale,” said Rempel. “If the homeowner is looking to do a larger project, like re-side there home in fire resistive materials for example, I would be happy to consult and provide feedback and recommendations on fire resistive products.”

This year, the City of Merritt has been approved to award 20 incentive grants to homeowners residing in the bench area who are looking to complete projects on their property. The grant will offer up to $500 in rebates.

“Whether the homeowner wants to tackle these projects or hire someone to do the work, the grant still applies.”

MORE: 2022 FireSmart Grant Program (City of Merritt)

Rempel also mentioned there is an upcoming FireSmart even taking place on June 11 in Central Park.

“We will have a movie in the park featuring the movie Only the Brave. We will have food vendors and a fire truck pull event. We also have some great door prizes and all kinds of fun FireSmart related activities.”

The event will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with free admission, you just need to bring a lawn chair or blanket.

MORE: FireSmart information (FireSmart BC)