Seems like I post on this topic earlier and earlier each year.  Climate change maybe?  Forest Fire season is again upon us again.  In fact there has been 27 fires of larger than 10 hectars in BC since the beginning of April!

Generally forest fire is covered by your home insurance, however as we live and play in an “interface zone” (where the forest meets the city), there are several things you should do to protect yourself from the threat of forest fire.  See below for just some of the things you can do at home, and your cottage to protect yourself.

Prune tree branches to a height of 1 or 2 metres
Store fire wood well away from the house
Remove trees within 10 metres of house
Branches are clear of power lines (if possible bury power service)
Remove brush, mow and water lawn
Dispose of fireplace ashes into an approved container.
Chimney installed to code complete with spark arrestor screens
All soffit vents and gutters should be screened
Position propane tank with valve pointing away from house
Fire resistant exterior roof and walls
Protective drapes and or shutters on windows to protect interior from radiant heat

Wildfire news can be found at http://www.bcwildfire.ca/Situation/