West Kelowna REALTORS® Urge the Importance of Fireproofing Your Home

As we approach the two-year mark since the McDougall Creek wildfire, West Kelowna REALTORS® are reminding homeowners just how vital it is to prepare for wildfire season.

The August 2023 wildfire was one of the most destructive in B.C.’s history. It tore through more than 13,000 hectares, destroyed nearly 200 homes, and forced thousands to flee. In some Westside neighbourhoods, heavy equipment is still rolling through the streets to help rebuild what was lost. For many families, the recovery has been slow and difficult.

With hot, dry summers becoming more common, now is the time to take steps to protect your property. Fireproofing doesn’t have to be complicated. To start, put aside some time to do basic maintenance like pruning trees, clearing brush, and keeping gutters clean. Removing dry vegetation from around your home can help create a buffer zone that slows the spread of fire.

West Kelowna REALTORS® also encourage homeowners to check FireSmartBC to help guide their prevention efforts. FireSmartBC has a suite of graphics and guides to help anyone who is looking to prevent wildfire damage to their home.

Beyond landscaping and fire-safe materials, it’s crucial to have a wildfire evacuation plan. Every household should know what to do if an alert or order is issued. Make sure important documents are easy to grab, and that everyone knows your plan to leave quickly and safely.

This community has seen firsthand how fast things can change. A small column of smoke on August 15 turned into a full-blown crisis by the 17th. Don’t wait for the next fire to get ready.

Contact West Kelowna REALTORS® 

West Kelowna REALTORS® are here to support local homeowners in protecting what matters most! Getting your home fire-safe before the summer heat sets in is a great way to ensure your preparedness. Contact us today for more information about homes in West Kelowna and fire safety. Be sure to check out FireSmartBC for best practices and guides. We look forward to helping you out soon!