The Comox Valley FireSmart Resilience Committee announcing a collaborative effort to host a yard and wood waste chipping event on April 27 and 28 at the Comox Fire Hall parking lot (1870 Noel Avenue) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event is funded by the Province of British Columbia鈥檚 Community Resiliency Investment grant. This free drop-off chipping event is being held to support FireSmart safety on properties by facilitating the removal of excess yard waste and wood debris that could potentially fuel wildfires and endanger homes. Yard waste collected during the event will be chipped and responsibly disposed.

Yard and wood waste drop-off rules are as follows: No rocks, nails, or roots to prevent damage to machinery; no treated lumber, construction waste, bags of leaves, or grass clippings; ensure all bottom ends of the branches point in the same direction for efficient processing; tree trimmings must be under 16 cm (6.3 inches) in diameter and 10 m (32 feet) in maximum length; no invasive species such as Scotch broom, English holly, giant hogweed and knotweed; wood chips cannot be returned to the residents as they are considered fuel under the FireSmart principles.

The onsite chipping contractor reserves the right to refuse any pile or debris they feel does not meet these rules.

FireSmart has become a nationally recognized program that provides communities with information on creating an action plan around homes and properties that is doable and cost-effective.

The Comox Valley FireSmart Resilience Committee is a multi-agency partnership with a shared vision of protecting communities from the threat of wildfire through programming and public education in the City of Courtenay, Comox Valley Regional District, K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland.

For more information about how to better FireSmart your home and property, visit or , or call your local fire department.