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Fall is the smart time to FireSmart™ your home!
In early August, the Bradley Creek wildfire put properties on Armstrong’s western edge under evacuation alert before it was rescinded on August 3rd.
The goal with making your home FireSmart is to give embers fewer places to ignite. FireSmart BC says embers can travel up to two kilometres and may account for up to 90% of structure ignitions.
Here’s a few products that are going to make a big difference for a very low cost:
Having these implemented and/or on hand is going to put you in a good position should any emergencies arise. Here’s how to go about it.
FireSmart uses three zones:
Start at the roof and work your way down and away from the house.
Some of the easiest fuel for embers is the dry leaves and needles that end up in roof valleys and gutters. You’ll want to get ahead of that by cleaning them now and checking in again during the spring. Metal gutter guards help reduce the debris that accumulates between cleanings. You can also look into a non-combustible drip edge or flashing that sits between the gutter and roof covering.
If you are replacing a roof, your Class A options are going to include metal, clay or concrete tile, as well as asphalt shingles. Non-combustible gutters include galvanized steel, aluminum and copper. See our guide to choosing the right roofing material. You should also look into adding an approved spark arrestor if you have a wood-burning chimney.
If you have a steep, wet, or otherwise complicated roof, be safe a hire out this kind of work (we can help you with that).
Screen your attic, soffit, crawlspace and foundation vents with 3mm non-combustible metal mesh, or, you can also use ember-resistant vents.
*Dryer vents are the exception here. Do not cover them with fine mesh. Keep them clear or lint.
Clear out any debris from under your deck, and even consider closing exposed undersides with metal screening or fibre-cement panels. Check for any gaps around windows, doors and exterior penetrations too; we have a caulk, sealant and weatherstripping guide that you might find helpful!
The first 1.5 meters around your home and attached decks is called your Immediate Zone. You’ll want to remove any dry plants, woody shrubs, and bark mulch from this zone. Clear out any combustible material right down to mineral soil. Use rock, gravel, shale, brick, or concrete instead. See our hardscaping guide here for other ideas!
If you have a wood fence attached to the house, replace the last 1.5 meters with a metal gate or non-combustible panel. Move any firewood, patio cushions, bins or propane tanks out of this zone.
A couple quick FireSmart tips for the yard:
Your garden hoses should stay connected and long enoch to reach every side of your home. Have an adjustable nozzle, suitable fire extinguisher and a grab-and-go emergency kit ready to use at a moment’s notice.
If you do have to evacuate, do not leave sprinklers on or your water running. This can have the effect of reducing water pressure needed by firefighters.
The City of Armstrong currently offers free, confidential FireSmart home assessments that typically take one to three hours. Participating properties may be eligible for up to $500 toward recommended work, including roof and gutter cleanup, 3 mm vent mesh and Immediate Zone improvements.
Spallumcheen has offered rebates of up to $5,000 covering up to 50% of approved work after an assessment and approved work plan; confirm current funding with the Township before starting. RDNO residents in Electoral Areas B–F can access free assessments, with 2026 chipping available on scheduled dates through October 19.
Book the assessment first so your purchases match the recommendations.
Find hardware and building materials on Mill Street, and blocks, fence supplies and yard tools at Shepherd’s Outdoor Living Centre. Bring your assessment report or a photo of what you are working on, and the team can help you find the right materials!
You can’t control where the next fire starts, but you can control what’s waiting for an ember when it lands. Visit us today and let’s FireSmart your home!
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FireSmart™ is a trademark of Partners in Protection Association. Shepherd’s Hardware is not affiliated with or endorsed by FireSmart Canada or FireSmart BC
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