Kamloops Fire Rescue hopes to eliminate cedar hedges from the community

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) is fighting a decade-old trend of including cedar hedges on local properties. The hedges, which are not native to Kamloops, allow fire to quickly spread and grow, and are usually planted alongside of homes — adding to the danger.

In recent months, KFR has responded to multiple structure fires that involved cedar hedges.

KFR’s Jamie Chase noted even the healthiest of cedar hedges has the ability to quickly go up in flames, in part because the exterior of the hedge can be deceiving.

In Kamloops, hedges have been used as privacy barriers for decades, and as the city moves toward more fire smart behavior, KFR is hoping residents remove as many as possible.

“Even if they are really well looked after and trimmed, and cleaned out, well watered, they are what we call a resins plant. Once they do get hot, instantly they let off a huge amount of heat. You’ll see black smoke across the city; they burn up in seconds. And they are usually planted in a row, which then transfer the fire from wherever it ignited, usually toward a structure,” said Chase.

KFR noted it can be challenging for citizens to remove hedges from their properties due to the cost associated. Chase understands that it won’t happen overnight, but hopes Kamloops moves towards a more fire smart community.

“We recognize that not everybody is able to go and cut their cedars down or have the financial ability to have them removed by a company. This is a big problem. We need to start working toward what that solution will be. It’s not going to happen overnight, but we do need people that are able to take them out — to really consider taking them out and planting a fire smart plant,” added Chase.