Press Release

 Mount Baldy Community Launches FireSmart Initiative              

Mount Baldy Village consists of 156 properties with 108 dwellings built, with approximately 40 full-time residents. It is a separate entity from Mount Baldy Resort that operates the ski hill.

During the evacuation of the residents with the Nk’mip fire threat in 2021 the professional firefighters who arrived to protect the Village, commented that there was very little evidence of reduction of fuel loads and fire danger in the community. The formation of a FireSmart Board and the subsequent Mt Baldy Wildfire Protection Strategy and Plan was developed as a start in a FireSmart process that will be ongoing.

On May 21 & 22 the community of Mount Baldy held an inaugural Fire Smart event as the start of becoming a Fire Smart community, with 64 property owners attending the Saturday morning information meeting.

RDKB Emergency Management Co-ordinator Carlene Pires presented an introduction to FireSmart. including the basic guidelines of how to create a FireSmart community and how the Regional District will be able to help.

Doug MacLeod, a Supervisor on the Nk’mip fire, and a Certified FireSmart Assessor reminded us how close we came to losing everything as the fire of 2021 came within 2.7 km of the Village. He outlined steps that could be taken to reduce community vulnerability and led a walkabout with residents identifying some of the work that needs to be done to improve the likelihood of survival, both on vacant and built lots.

The Regional-District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) staff and Area E elected official Vicki Gee have been very supportive. Vicki congratulated the community for enthusiastic participation and pledged on-going support.  

Although there was still a lot of snow on the ground, much work took place including some tree removal, pruning branches from trees up to the recommended 3m height and clean up of flammables next to cabins.

The sun came out for the BBQ on Sunday afternoon celebrating the initiation of FireSmart work and commitment to much more taking place over the spring.

The community thanks all the folks who helped get this project started and looks forward to continued progress in strengthening the fire resiliency of the community over the next few years.

For the Mount Baldy Fire Smart Board – Rod MacLeod 604 902 4540