Join the Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park in Nelson on July 10

The Nelson & Area Wildfire Risk Reduction Committee is inviting residents and visitors in the Kootenays to take part in a family-friendly Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park on Thursday, July 10, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Hosted at the Rotary BBQ Shelter, the event promises a vibrant afternoon of family-friendly fun and engaging conversation, including a free BBQ, music, games, and prizes.

This is the fourth year the committee has hosted the community event.

Representatives from the City of Nelson, Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), BC Wildfire Service, Ministry of Forests, and BC Parks will be on hand to answer questions and showcase the wide range of local risk-reduction efforts.

The City of Nelson and the RDCK have been active leaders in wildfire mitigation.

In recent years, both have implemented numerous FireSmart initiatives, including free Home Ignition Zone assessments and rebate programs for homeowners.

Through Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program, the City has completed annual fuel management projects on municipal land.

The RDCK has supported collaborating agencies to conduct large-scale risk reduction projects in the forests and parks surrounding Nelson.

Throughout the RDCK, the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program also continues to expand, supporting local volunteers in organizing wildfire preparedness at the neighbourhood level.

These types of efforts are recommended in technical planning documents, such as the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans, that provide guidance and direction for the range of initiatives in the region.

“This event is a great way for people to meet those folks who are doing the work on a day to day basis, from planning to response,” said Rob Leland, one of the event’s organizers and Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator.

“It’s about building relationships, answering questions, and empowering residents to take simple steps that make a big difference.”