The wildfires in Alberta and B.C. underscore the importance of forest fire safety, so says an official with FireSmart.

FireSmart is a program launched in 1993 when fire scientists noticed the differences between homes that survive a fire, and those that do not.

Sara Richards, who works with the Department of Forestry, provided a demonstration on the prevention of forest fires at Paddy’s Pond yesterday.

She notes the embers from forest fires can actually spread a couple of kilometres ahead of a fire.

“That’s what actually can ignite your home, it’s not always the flame front,” says Richards.

She notes what’s happening out west, and the devastating 2023 forest fire season across Canada, highlights the role individual homeowners play.

That includes making sure the lawn is trimmed, keeping plants well-watered, and keeping evergreens 10 to 30 metres away from your house.

“Nova Scotia really showed us that this can hit closer to home than we kind of usually imagine, so it’s something that homeowners can do, we all have a part to play,” said Richards.

“The forest service is here to help protect the forest but homeowners can also assure the safety of their own homes.”