An effort to ensure fuel for potential wildfires is controlled at the city’s edge resumes this week.
Wildfire Fuel Reduction Program continues on property bordering the City of Nelson, near Svoboda Road, Mary Hall and Mountain Lakes Seniors facility.
“The area will be receiving a much-needed cleanup to protect the forest and City of Nelson residents from a substantial wildfire event,” said fire chief Simon Grypma in a news release. “This work will also provide increased protection to the nearby homes, schools and seniors’ residences.”
To begin with, some trees identified as dangerous will be harvested. “Many of these trees have already collapsed on their own,” said Grypma.
Crews will then move onto cleanup of woody debris o the forest floor, pruning and removal of smaller trees and ladder fuels to reduce the risk of a fire spreading to the drown overheard. Done by hand, this work includes pile burning should weather and proper venting conditions permit.
“This will improve the overall forest health and restore the natural ecosystem. It will also give the Fire Department a greater chance to stop the spread of fire, should a wildfire occur in the interface,” said Grypma.
To do this work safely, access to the trails and surrounding area will be restricted, or in some cases, closed to the public as early as next week October 15 for the duration of operation work periods and will be posted closed.
Work in this area was partially completed in 2011 and halted when funding ran out. Funding will be provided by approved grants from the UBCM operational fuel treatment program.
Debri Resources Ltd will complete the work.