Community Wildfire Update 01

• July 6, 2021
• • Emergency Updates

Splatsin and the Secwepemc Nation is actively preparing for emergencies including the potential for wildfires in our community. Other Secwepemc communities, including Skeetchestn and Bonaparte Indian Bands, and are currently experiencing nearby wildfires as a result of the recent hot and dry conditions and our thoughts are with them.

Some community members have family and friends who live in the Lytton area. Those looking for loved ones can contact the Canadian Red Cross for family reunification services at 1-800-863-6582.

Splatsin is encouraging community members living on-reserve to protect their property from wildfires. Some tips include:

• Cleaning your roof of debris
• Cleaning your gutters of debris
• Rake debris around the yard and under your deck
• Water the lawn around your home
• Keep your lawn to a maximum length of 10 cm
• Move firewood piles 10 meters away from your home
• Have fire tools on-site: shovels, rakes, axes, garden hoses, sprinklers, and ladders

See more tips in the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual available here: https://homeowners-manual.firesmartbc.ca/

Campfires and open burns are currently banned throughout Secwepemcúĺecw. Report wildfires to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.

In the event of a wildfire, you may need to leave home quickly. Please consider taking some time now to build a Grab & Go Kit for each member of your household. This kit could include:

• phone charger and battery bank
• personal medications
• snacks and water
• flashlight
• personal toiletries
• ID and important documents like birth certificates and insurance information
• photo albums or items which carry special significance to your family
• traditional/cultural wellness kit
• pet supplies if you have a pet

Consider how you will communicate with loved ones during an emergency. Creating a virtual meeting place like a closed Facebook group for your family could be helpful for keeping in touch.