RDOS welcomes new FireSmart Coordinator to help with fire risks

Photo: Contributed

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has welcomed a new face as the Regional District FireSmart Coordinator.

Kerry Riess takes on a role responsible for the development and implementation of FireSmart activities for all nine Electoral Areas within the Regional District.

With 12 years of experience with BC Wildfire Service as an Initial Attack Crew leader, Unit Crew leader, and Forest Protection assistant, the RDOS sees Riess’ past experience in emergency operations, project management, wildland firefighting, and community and stakeholder engagement to directly support the execution of the program.

"With continued wildfire risks and recent events such as the 2020 Christie Mountain wildfire and 2019 Gallagher Lake wildfire, provincial funding for a full-time FireSmart Coordinator will provide property owners with resource information and opportunities to mitigate potential wildfire hazards within their community," the press release reads.

The RDOS has received a $600,000 grant from the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program and $120,000 through the FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund. Both grants are administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) as part of the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program.

Riess will support the RDOS with the planning and coordination of community chipping events, FireSmart community events, neighbourhood FireSmart assessments, rebate programs, fuel treatments and other initiatives to promote FireSmart within the Regional District.

For further information about becoming a FireSmart community, or to learn more about participating in a new or existing FireSmart Community Board, please visit the RDOS Community FireSmart webpage here.