Fire Protection Can Be Linked to Yard Clean Up

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. -  This is the weekend many will be out  in their  yards tidying up  after a long winter. Residents are reminded that in Prince George, the new Clean Air bylaw  does not allow for ANY burning of garden waste  or  grass fires.

There is much that can be done  top help protect your property  from  the risk of  interface fires later in the season.  Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell says  that work  can be kpart of the spring clean up  "We want to encourage people to reduce the wildfire hazards around their homes and remind everyone to act responsibly by following all provincial and local fire safety rules. This is particularly critical in areas that experienced a fairly dry winter and spring. The best way to fight wildfires is to prevent them in the first place."

Homeowners are encouraged to reduce the hazards of wildfire by consulting the BC FireSmart Manual. The manual outlines many simple preventative steps such as:
* Prune tree branches to a height of 2 metres or more.
* Remove all trees, long grass, shrubs, logs, branches, twigs and needles within 10 metres of house.
* Thin trees (with three to six metres between crowns) for at least 30 metres from the house.
* Store firewood 10 metres or more from the house.

If  residents are interested in  having a recreational  fire in their backyard this weekend,  they are reminded the new Clean Air Bylaw  calls for  new rules on the size of the fire pit, it's location and the fact fire extinguishing tools must be at hand.

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