The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is launching the province’s first FireSmart on Wheels trailer to educate community members on wildfire preparedness.
The 5,000-pound solar-powered trailer can be towed easily by an SUV or electric truck and is designed to enhance FireSmart community events.
It comes equipped with all necessary resources, including an awning, guides and manuals, tables, a tent, FireSmart promotional items, and equipment for an on-site presentation or information booth.
FireSmart BC and the Fire Chiefs’ Association selected the RDKB to pilot the program, which Carlene Pires, RDKB Emergency Program Coordinator, said was because of the district’s strong track record in emergency management.
“The RDKB was chosen simply because we stood out. The RDKB has a strong track record in emergency management, and we are really proactive in the community and attend all kinds of different events,” she said.
“The district’s wildfire mitigation specialists are highly dedicated and effective, and we successfully conducted 300 FireSmart home assessments last summer, demonstrating the effectiveness of our FireSmart initiatives.”
The trailer will also serve as a mobile den for Ember, the FireSmart Fox, the program’s official mascot, who will help spread community awareness and promote wildfire preparedness across the region.
Housed at RDKB’s Trail headquarters, the trailer will serve communities across the district, appearing at various FireSmart events. Its debut is scheduled for Big White’s Community Clean-Up Event on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23.
The mobile trailer is also available for neighbouring regional districts, First Nations, and municipalities to borrow, with the Regional District of Central Kootenay already signed up to use it for two night markets scheduled in Nelson and Castlegar this summer.
Pires said the mobile unit will enhance the district’s FireSmart efforts by allowing the RDKB to reach more communities.
“It’ll help us reach diverse communities across the region. It’s really just a one-stop shop to be able to bring the trailer and have a pop-up event or an information booth to reach our residents within our communities.”
The RDKB owns the trailer and will operate it from spring to fall. RDKB staff will gather feedback from the public, measure data, and usage frequency to determine the program’s success and viability for a province-wide roll out.
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