Author: Rob Lewis

For all those who have asked, and those who want to ask….YES…we are chipping yard waste again this year.

The current target date for the start of chipping is December 4th. The program remains the same. Please place the branches aligned in one direction, nothing larger than 10 cm at the base, no invasive species, no leaf piles, and no construction debris. Your piles should be at the edge of the road and not interfere with traffic.

If you have any questions, please contact the firehall (250.335.2611) and we will be glad to help.

Many have already heard, but as of noon Wednesday September 27, the ban on campfires and backyard burns has been lifted. We always ask that for backyard burns people look to see if the venting index is good so that you don’t smoke out your neighbours.

With the hot dry weather coming this weekend, we have made he decision to shut down back yard burns as of this weekend. If you have an existing permit please consider that it is over as of Saturday. If we get a reprieve in the weather we may well allow burning again, but with a wildfire already going on Vancouver Island the prudent thing to do is to minimize risk.

If you see smoke in Helliwell……all is well. The province is continuing its work with a contractor to remove fuels via contained burning.

Things to remember:

• Please align all your branches in one direction with the thick ends all together
• Nothing thicker than 16 cm (6″)
• Nothing longer than 32′
• Have your piles at the end of your driveway by the starting date but please don’t block traffic
• NO invasive species such as Scotch Broom, English Holly, Knotweed or Hogweed
• NO lumber or construction waste
• NO bags of leaves or grass clippings

This is a great program that removes fuel that can feed a wildfire near your house as well as improving the quality of our air by reducing burn piles.

We are sad to say that we have had to cancel fireworks this year due to the dry conditions.

While it might rain before Halloween, we just can’t be sure that it will, and so we had to decide to hold off.

We are really pleased to be able to confirm that the chipping program is back again this year. This program helps reduce solid fuels around your properties and keeps our air quality higher through the reduction in burning.

We received funding, found a home for our chips and have a service provider to handle the program.

Right now we are looking to have about a week of chipping starting in early November. As with previous years, your branches and brush will get put out on the road side, neatly arranged and pointing in one direction.

Keep your eyes on this space for further timing and instructions on what can go in your piles.

Over the last couple of days the fire danger rating has decreased to the point where high risk activities are now allowed again. However a total fire ban remains in effect until we have a little more forgiving weather.

If you do start using your chainsaw, please use extra caution and consider having a bucket of water or a spray can on hand while you work.

For all those planning to attend the Dale Chase Memorial this coming Sunday, we would ask that you plan to arrive at the firehall by 2:30 p.m. There is plenty of parking in the gravel yard next door. The procession is planned for a start time of 2:45 p.m.

Next weekend marks the beginning of daylight savings time. This is a great time to change the battery in your smoke detectors at the same time that you change your clocks. Please remember…Working smoke detectors save lives!