Compete to fight wildfires

Each team has a neighbourhood captain. The first captain, Cole Paciejewski, has 12 years of experience with the BC Wildfire Service and three years as a Prince George city firefighter. He now runs Northern Shield Land Management, where he helps property owners lower their wildfire risk.

Paciejewski explained that many people do not realize how wildfires usually destroy homes. “It’s firebrands or embers that are usually the worst culprit. And they can travel upwards of two or three kilometres, sometimes, in the air,” he said. This means that if one neighbour is unprepared, it can put everyone nearby at risk.

The tasks are designed to be manageable. Moving firewood away from the exterior of a home, cleaning gutters, and clearing dry brush are among the first challenges. “We don’t expect anyone to go out there and clear-cut their whole property,” Paciejewski said.

New challenges are posted every Saturday at 8 a.m. in the Break the Blaze Facebook group. Participants share photos of their completed tasks in the group, and teams earn points on a leaderboard.

Organizers are still looking for neighbourhood captains in Prince George and the Fraser Fort George Regional District. No fire experience is needed. Captains just need to recruit neighbours and encourage them to join.

To join, search for “Break the Blaze” on Facebook or visit facebook.com/groups/breaktheblaze.

by Dave Branco

Compete to fight wildfires

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