PARKSVILLE — An increase in bark mulch and landscaping-related files is being noted by local firefighters.
A largely bone-dry June has led to prime fire conditions, not only in the backcountry, but around residential and commercial properties with a border or bark mulch, or dry hedge fencing.
Parksville Fire Rescue assistant chief Cam Cruickshank said bark mulch might look quite nice, but it’s a less than ideal material to have around homes.
“We always talk about the FireSmart principles and those zones around your house and how you can stop those easily preventable fires. If people are interested, BC FireSmart has great resources as far as what you can do around your house or non-combustible things that still look nice and will still be aesthetically pleasing.”
Sparks from reflected or refined light from the sun, as well as items like cigarette butts, can ignite bark mulch very quickly.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews attended a small fire outside a business at Northfield Village, off Turner Rd., on Tuesday, June 23, where a traffic island covered in bark mulch caught fire.
Cruickshank said attempting to rid a property of weeds using fire can be especially problematic this time of year.
Parksville firefighters attend a number of fires each year where property owners choose to use open flame to burn weeds.
“We never endorse the use of so-called tiger torches for burning weeds off. We go to many fires every year, some where it catches the house on fire. Most of the time we can get them quickly, but it’s something that is very preventable.”
FireSmart BC has resources available for homeowners on fire safety connected to outdoor landscaping and other features, available on their website.
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