Whistler’s unique geographic characteristics—the natural environment, which is also the foundation of the resort community’s success—and development in interface areas places the community at high risk of wildfire.
Our coast temperate rainforest climate offers some protection from wildfires, but during the brief summer months when our forests can dry out, our risks are extreme.
Wildland forest fires are capable of spreading at an astonishing rate. Crowning forest fires often spread at up to five km/hour. Whole subdivisions can be affected within hours.
Our commitment: RMOW Wildfire Protection Strategy
The Resort Municipality of Whistler is committed to reducing the risk of wildfire in Whistler. In January 2017, the RMOW Wildfire Protection Strategy was adopted. It includes 16 recommendations to achieve and maintain the high standard of protection to the community. Some of the recommendations include:
- establishing a three to five-year operational fuel management contract;
- securing addtional funding to accelerate the Community Wildlife Protection program;
- improving public understanding of fire risk and homeowner responsibility and mitigating wildfire risks on private property through increased efforts in public outreach and education; and
- enforcing a comprehensive and consistent standard of development in high hazard wildfire zones through the development and implementation of a Wildfire Development Permit Area (DPA).
Fuel thinning to protect our community
Over the past few years, the RMOW has conducted fuel thinning projects in various locations such as Lost Lake Park, above Horstman Estates, Kadenwood, Millar’s Pond, and Brio.
Fuel thinning tends to leave mature and deciduous trees while removing ground brush and debris, pruning lower branches and removing tight second growth trees to reduce the risk of wildfire. Fuel thinning treatments leave a more open, park-like feel to the forest that is at lower risk of starting or spreading a wildfire.
Fuel thinning projects reduce the ability of fire to spread from the forest into the community and vice versa, while maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem. This is done by:
- Reducing the number of trees in the stand, focusing on removal of small diameter trees and retaining fire resistant species such as Douglas-fir and deciduous trees;
- Reducing fine woody surface debris while retaining larger coarse woody debris for habitat and soil productivity;
- Pruning trees to reduce ladder fuels between the ground and the forest crown; and
- Removing dangerous trees to protect workers while maintaining high value wildlife trees where possible.
In addition to reducing forest fuel loads, secondary objectives of the project are to:
- Protect critical infrastructure and facilities in Whistler
- Restore open forest conditions
- Demonstrate the principles and practices of FireSmart
Brio Fuel Thinning Project Update
The Resort Municipality of Whistler continued its wildfire management program with completion of a fuel thinning project started in 2016 above the Brio subdivision. The Brio Fuel Thinning Project thinned 4.6 hectares to the FireSmart standard.
Funds for this project were authorized through the Union of BC Municipalities Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative to supplement the municipality’s budget to carry out the work.
Alpine Meadows and CCF5 (Cemetery) Fuel Thinning Projects
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is continuing its wildfire management program with two fuel thinning projects on 6.2 hectares above the Whistler Cemetery and 15 hectares above the Alpine Meadows subdivision starting in early October. The areas are within the Cheakamus Community Forest, and the work will be managed by the community forest’s operating partner, Lil’wat Forestry Ventures.
The municipality received funding of up to $300,000 for the Alpine Meadows project and $100,000 for the Whistler Cemetery project through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative.
Access for the Whistler Cemetery project will be through the cemetery road system. The area is bounded by the Whip Me Snip Me and Rainbow hiking trails. The Alpine Meadows site will be accessed from the end of Alpine Way with possible access from Wedgeview Place. The area is bounded by Rick’s Roost trail to the first switchback and an approximately 100 m setback above 19 Mile Creek.
Debris from the fuel thinning will be removed from the sites or chipped in place, with some burning occurring under permitted conditions as directed by the Province.
Property owners: helping reduce the risk
Property owners are vital in our community's plan to reduce wildfire risk. The biggest step property owners can do is to ensure their homes are FireSmart.
