Whether near large urban areas or in remote rural locations, every year more and more people are retreating to peaceful surroundings and building their homes or summer retreats in the “wildland urban interface.” Living in these areas, where the community meets the forest or grasslands, can provide spectacular scenery and a feeling of serenity, but it also means living with the threat of wildfire. When uncontrolled fire burns in the forest or other wildlands close to interface homes, residents’ safety and property can be endangered. If you live in a forested region, you’re living in the wildland urban interface, and sooner or later you may have to contend with this threat. Wildfires are a part of nature. In Ontario, wildfire has burned large areas repeatedly over a very long time. But fire isn’t always bad — its nature’s way of recycling and rebuilding. Whole ecosystems have evolved along with fire. However, in high value areas, like the wildland urban interface, wildfires are not usually desirable.From both a biological and financial perspective, fire will always be an important factor affecting the sustainability of Ontario’s forests. The best way to reduce the threat of wildfire to your home and community is to prepare and practice the ideas outlined in Ontario’s FireSmart guides. |
