LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE NISBET FIRE

The Ministry of Environment, Wildfire Management Branch has released the results of a study completed on a wildfire, the "Nisbet fire", that occurred near the City of Prince Albert in the spring of 2010.

"The Nisbet fire serves as a reminder of the risk wildfire poses to anyone living near or within forested areas," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Thankfully through the combined efforts of provincial and municipal agencies and the implementation of some FireSmart practices, property damage was kept to a minimum and no one was injured or killed."

The Nisbet fire started in a subdivision on the outskirts of the city in the early afternoon of May 17, 2010, and grew to 298 hectares in size within a three hour period. The fast moving fire resulted in a full evacuation of the area.

The study examines the factors that surround the effects of a wildfire in the wildland urban interface (the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development) and the severity of risk to properties located in forested areas. It also provides 11 recommendations including: the need for a community wildfire protection plan; the establishment of a defensible space; and raising wildland urban interface property owners' awareness of FireSmart principles so that they may be better prepared for a wildfire event.

The FireSmart recommendation in particular is supported by the proactive fuel management work of one home owner in the area of the wildfire, which played a significant role in preventing the fire from crossing a road and moving toward another subdivision.

"Thinning out nearby trees, removing dead trees and undergrowth, and using fire resistant building materials can significantly reduce the danger from wildfire," Wildfire Education and Prevention Co-ordinator Larry Fremont said. "If a fire approaches your property it will burn less aggressively and fire crews will have a better chance of controlling the fire and protecting your property."

To view the full report and find tips on fire safety or reducing wildfire risks, visit www.environment.gov.sk.ca or contact your local Ministry of Environment office. To report a wildfire, call Firewatch, toll free at 1-800-667-9660.

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For more information, contact:

Jeanette Krayetski
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2691
Email: jeanette.krayetski@gov.sk.ca