The City of Kelowna says requests are now open for its free, firesmart chipping program.
Aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires, the program enables homeowners to remove woody waste from their land.
But, only certain materials are permitted: cedars, junipers, mugo pines, as well as fir, pine, and spruce branches.
The city states that the chipper will not collect debris containing broadleaf trees, roots, grass, dirt, rocks, or non-organic items like rope or twine.
“Last summer’s event showed the actual danger posed by flying embers in our battle against wildfires,” said Peter Stantic, fire mitigation captain, in reference to the destructive McDougall Creek blaze.
“Eliminating hazardous plants and woody waste from your land, particularly within 10 meters of your home, is a crucial step in reducing the fuel source and minimizing risk,
“This helps in safeguarding you, your family, your neighborhood, and the entire community.”
The program, which commenced in 2022 as a trial project, is exclusively open to Kelowna residents, but the city highlights that dates fill up fast.
The chipper truck will be available for free, pre-arranged pick-ups from May 1 to 31.
More details about the program, including dates for reservations, can be found online.
