With the ongoing dry weather and lack of rainfall, the threat of human-caused fires—especially intentionally set ones—has become a growing concern. Fortunately, we are supported by a network of 100 SenseNet Sensor Nodes surrounding our community, which can detect the earliest signs of smoke and fire. We are also fortunate to be flanked on both sides by large lakes, which provide quick access to water for fire suppression.
That said, our community borders lots of wildland vegetation and parkland, and this year we have seen record numbers of people visiting Ellison Park and our community to use our hiking and cycling trails. This has the potential to increase our risk of both accidental and intentional fires.
During these conditions, we all must remain vigilant and take precautions to minimize risk, while also being alert to any unusual activity that could pose a hazard. It’s crucial to recognize the characteristics of potential wrongdoers, identify signs of their activity, and encourage community awareness.
Community Awareness is Key
Early reporting and shared vigilance are crucial in maintaining the safety of our community and surroundings. Stay alert for unusual behaviour, such as:
- Individuals loitering in high-risk areas, lingering in wooded or dry grass areas without a clear purpose, especially at odd hours.
- Individuals carrying items that look unusual or that could be used to start a fire.
- Individuals smoking in wooded areas or dry grass areas.
The safety and security of our community depend on all of us working together. By staying aware and reporting anything out of the ordinary, we can help protect both our natural landscapes and our community. In an era when wildfires pose significant risks, proactive efforts to prevent such incidents are more crucial than ever. Together, we can ensure that our community’s beautiful wildland interface and properties stay protected from both natural hazards and human threats.
Report Concerns Immediately
For suspicious activity: Call 911
To report a wildfire: Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone
