WILDFIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AFFECTING DEAN PARK ESTATES – SUMMER 2023

by Marsha Conley
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Background:

Dean Park Estates Community Association heard from several DPE residents whose homes border on the John Dean Provincial Park/ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ in early summer expressing their concern about the fire danger in the park.  Considering the extreme drought we experienced in spring and summer 2023, we certainly shared their concerns on this issue.  

Investigations and Research:

We immediately began actively investigating the issue including visits to many residents homes.  We directly observed and photographed areas where the BC Parks Authority had created burn piles of forest floor debris in February 2023 but had never burned off these piles.  In addition, we observed and photographed numerous hazard trees which were dead and likely to fall and “ladder trees” which would quickly carry any forest floor fire right up into the crowns of the trees.  

After discussing this situation with numerous wildfire experts in the area, DPECA wrote a very detailed assessment of the situation.  We had numerous other community groups as Wildfire services personnel and experts review the document.  We also made specific suggestions for how the debris piles could be removed immediately to reduce the fire ranger since burning the debris would not be possible given the high temperatures and dryness of the area.  

Report to BC Parks about Wildfire Danger:

After a review of our report and our proposals, we sent the report to BC Parks on July 19, 2023 and others at various levels up to the Minister of the Environment.  We also sent it to Adam Olsen and to other community groups in our area.  Our report is posted on the DPECA website for residents and other interested parties to read.

BCParks_letter_July2023 

After 5 weeks, we finally received a reply from BC Parks. Their reply is also on our website –

BC_Parks_ReplyAug2023

To summarize, BC Parks did not feel that the situation posed an immediate fire danger.  They felt it would be safe to wait until winter to burn off the piles in the area as usual.  While we disagreed with their assessment, we felt we had no options but to wait and hope that the rains would come before a fire broke out that would put all of DPE and not just the residents whose homes border the park at risk.  

Further Discussion with BC Parks:

We have recently had further phone conversations with BC Parks and they have assured us that the burning of debris piles will begin as early as possible this winter.  They have the funding in place and they have already contracted with BC Wildfire Services to do the work.  We will stay in regular communication with them and will advise residents as soon as possible when the needed work will begin.  

We are working with BC Parks to also budget to remove the hazard trees identified and “ladder trees” that also pose a hazard.  We will be contacting home owners whose property borders the John Dean Provincial Park directly in the next few days to identify hazard trees and provide BC Parks with a list for further investigation.

If you have questions or comments about this article, please use the Contact Us link on our website.

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FIRE SAFETY AND WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION AND EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS IN NORTH SAANICH

Winter is a great time to evaluate the wildfire risk of your home and learn how to reduce that risk when fire season comes next summer! Here is how to proceed:

Request a FREE evaluation from the local experts.
Call North Saanich District and get a free assessment by local Fire officials.
Fire Hall Contact Information
Non Emergency: Phone: 250-656-1931 (during regular work hours)
Phone: 1-877-537-6725 (after regular work hours; ask for North Saanich Duty Officer)
Email: firedepartment@northsaanich.ca

Make changes to reduce the wildfire risk to your property.
If you need help, professional landscapers and clean-up crews are less busy during winter and may be able to do the work you need at reasonable rates.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND RISK REDUCTION:

INFORMATION ON WOODBURNING STOVES AND FIREPLACES:

ARE YOU REGISTERED WITH THE DISTRICT OF NORTH SAANICH EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM?

To receive emergency notifications from the District of North Saanich in the event of emergencies and disasters, visit the District of North Saanich Emergency Services website at https://www.northsaanich.ca/EmergencyServices

LAST MINUTE CHECKLIST FOR PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY FROM WILDFIRE  PDF

Print this page out! Act on it now and keep it handy!

CONCERNED ABOUT BURNING AND RELATED FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION ISSUES IN DEAN PARK ESTATES?

Call the North Saanich Fire Hall at 250-656-1931 to seek assistance on non-emergency related queries about burning, and fire safety and prevention in North Saanich.

If you call after office hours (any time after 4:30 pm Mondays to Fridays or on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays), you will be directed to call Saanich Fire Dispatch at 250-475-6111

The above process aids North Saanich Fire Department staff or the after hours Duty Officer to respond immediately to your questions and concerns. For further information and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit the North Saanich Fire Department website at www.northsaanichfire.ca

In the event of a structural or wildland fire in North Saanich, immediately call  911

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