Following the lead of neighbouring Armstrong, the Township of Spallumcheen has selected the heads of its FireSmart program.
Marc and Alexis Szarek, the founders of Bloom Flower Festivals, have been appointed as the dual FireSmart coordinators to lead wildfire preparedness efforts for the township.
鈥淎lexis and Marc provide such value to the program as they are a part of our agricultural community with strong ties in the community," said Mayor Christine Fraser. "As a team they bring knowledge and first hand experience in both large scale event management and first hand firefighting. We are excited to have them help us ensure our community is prepared in the event of wildfire.鈥�
With the recent rise in large-scale wildfires, including last summer's Hullcar Mountain blaze, the township has been working over the past three years to make FireSmarting a commitment.
The FireSmart coordinator position is fully funded through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Resiliency Initiative program, which aims to enhance community resilience by implementing FireSmart principles.
Alexis and Marc will focus on strengthening wildfire resilience across the community.
There are a number of proactive measures the FireSmart program will take to reduce wildfire risks and educate residents, including:
鈥� Hosting neighbourhood block parties 鈥� Targeting high-risk neighbourhoods along the wildland-urban interface to provide hands-on education and mitigation strategies.
鈥� Expanding neighbourhood recognition 鈥� Encouraging local champions to participate in the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program.
鈥� Conducting home ignition zone (HIZ) assessments 鈥� Helping homeowners access FireSmart rebate programs by identifying and mitigating wildfire risks around their properties.
鈥� Engaging with municipal neighbours 鈥� Engaging with the North Okanagan and Columbia Shuswap FireSmart Resiliency Committees to align Spallumcheen鈥檚 strategies with broader regional efforts.
鈥� Launching a FireSmart-specific newsletter 鈥� Providing direct updates and resources to residents to enhance wildfire preparedness and resiliency without relying on third-party platforms.
鈥� Hosting quarterly public meetings 鈥� Providing residents with updates on FireSmart initiatives, risk assessments, and upcoming events.
鈥淭he safety and preparedness of our residents remain a top priority for council,鈥� said Fraser. 鈥淭hrough the FireSmart program, Marc and Alexis will provide education, resources, and direct support to homeowners and neighbourhoods at risk of wildfire. Council is committed to ensuring long-term wildfire resiliency in our community.鈥�
To contact Alexis or Marc about FireSmarting or the township's FireSmart program, email firesmart@spallumcheen.bc.ca or get in touch through the township municipal office.
The Hullcar area is the first neighbourhood in Spallumcheen to receive official recognition from the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program. More neighbourhoods and communities are encouraged to apply.
In late February the City of Armstrong announced Shari McDowell as its new FireSmart coordinator.
