Outdoor Yard Maintenance

The City of Port Alberni, within the Alberni Valley, is a deep-sea port, situated at the end of an inlet, and is surrounded by forests. Residents of the City and surrounding areas are fortunate to live in a truly wonderful environment, where urban and rural life styles can be rather easily mixed, and a large variety of work and leisure activities are provided year round. Quite often, associated to those activities is a greater risk of fire.

The dry summer season is upon us now, and is causing the grass, shrubs, and forests to continue to dry out. The fire hazard risk in our community is on the rise. It is important for our residents to recognize the dangers, and to understand there is a lot they can do to reduce those risks.

Remember – a fire that is prevented is one less fire that needs to be extinguished.

The Primary Focus is on Fuel Reduction!! The following is a valuable list that you can use to assess and minimize the fire dangers around your home. Keep in mind as well, that by following the list below you are also enhancing the image of our community.

* Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Prune all trees up to 6’ to 10’ from the ground.
* Space any trees you plant carefully, maintaining a separation from the tree to your house.
* Remove leaf clutter and dead and overhanging branches.
* Limit your use of the ornamental bark mulch.
* Mow your lawns regularly (including other bordering property like boulevards and alleyways).
* Dispose of yard clippings and debris, regularly.
* Store firewood away from the house.
* Don’t keep combustible materials under decks or elevated porches.
* Maintain your sprinkler system and water hoses.
* Use care when refuelling garden power equipment.
* Store flammable material properly.
* If you smoke, be careful with smokers’ materials – discard them to an approved container, such as an ashtray or other concrete or metal container.
* Be careful with any outdoor fire

There are two City bylaws that regulate the condition and appearance of property. The first bylaw is enforced through the Bylaw Enforcement Office, and is the “Port Alberni Property Maintenance Bylaw” - 3915. The second regulatory bylaw is the Fire Control Bylaw – Number 3599 – “A Bylaw for Fire Protection and Control within the City of Port Alberni”. Section 14 refers to the condition of property and acknowledges that “the owner or occupant of any lands, premises, yards, or buildings, shall at all times keep the same, or cause the same to be kept in a safe condition satisfactory to the Fire Chief so as to guard against fire or other dangerous conditions”. Voluntary compliance is always the first option in any regulatory process.

If you have any questions or require further information, please call the Port Alberni Fire Department at (250) 724-1351.

If you are reporting a fire - dial 911.