Fire Management for A Changing Okanagan Climate
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Okanagan Fire Management helps property owners reduce wildfire risk using practical, proven FireSmart principles tailored to our region’s dry climate and increasing wildfire exposure. We assess properties, identify vulnerabilities, and implement targeted mitigation strategies designed to slow fire spread and improve defensible space.
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From vegetation management and fuel reduction to perimeter planning and access improvements, our focus is simple: reduce ignition risk, protect structures, and improve safety for homeowners and emergency responders. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across the Okanagan, proactive fire mitigation is no longer optional—it’s responsible property management.
FireSmart Property Assessments
Our FireSmart property assessments provide a detailed, on-site evaluation of wildfire risk specific to your land, structures, and surroundings. We identify ignition vulnerabilities such as combustible landscaping, structure proximity to fuels, roofing exposure, and access limitations.
Each assessment includes prioritized mitigation recommendations aligned with recognized FireSmart principles, giving property owners a clear, actionable plan to improve wildfire resilience before fire season arrives.
Defensible Space Creation
Defensible space is the most critical factor in protecting structures from advancing wildfire. We establish and enhance fuel-reduced zones surrounding homes, outbuildings, and infrastructure by clearing flammable vegetation and reconfiguring landscape layout.
Proper defensible space slows fire spread, reduces radiant heat exposure, and creates safer working conditions for emergency responders defending the property.
Vegetation & Fuel Reduction
Dense vegetation, deadfall, and unmanaged organic material act as wildfire fuel, increasing fire intensity and spread potential.
Our vegetation and fuel reduction services remove ladder fuels, dry brush, fallen timber, and excess organic debris that allow fire to move quickly across the landscape.
This process reduces fire load while improving overall property safety and long-term land health.
Tree Spacing & Canopies
Overcrowded forests and unmanaged tree canopies allow wildfire to climb from ground level into fast-moving crown fires.
We strategically thin tree stands, increase spacing, and prune lower limbs to reduce vertical and horizontal fuel continuity.
Proper canopy management slows fire progression and lowers the probability of high-intensity fire behavior near structures.
Debris Removal & Site Cleanup
Combustible debris near structures significantly increases ignition risk. We remove woodpiles, slash, leaf accumulation, and flammable yard waste from critical zones around buildings. All materials are hauled, processed, or disposed of responsibly, leaving the property cleaner, safer, and FireSmart compliant.
Access & Emergency Routes
Safe, reliable property access is essential during wildfire events. We improve driveways, laneways, and emergency access routes by widening corridors, removing overhang, and clearing turnaround areas for fire apparatus.
Enhanced access ensures emergency crews can reach structures quickly and operate safely if suppression efforts are required.
Ongoing Mitigation Programs
Wildfire mitigation isn’t a one-time service — vegetation regrows and conditions change. Our maintenance programs provide scheduled upkeep to maintain defensible space, manage regrowth, and address new fuel hazards over time.
This ensures properties remain wildfire-ready year after year without requiring full re-mitigation.