In addition to supporting the wildfire emergency effort in the local community, UBC Okanagan is making itself a fire smart campus.
There are a number of recommendations set out in UBC’s Wildland Fire Management Plan and the UBC Okanagan Design Guidelines for improving fire safety on campus — such as planting native species, maintaining sprinkler systems and avoiding thick trees and flammable mulch near buildings.
Based on these recommendations, Facilities Management has made improvements in the naturalized areas on campus by pruning and thinning trees, as well as removing ground fuel in areas around residences, the gymnasium and the Pine Loop Trail.
A fire suppression Utility Task Vehicle was also purchased in 2016 and all three Campus Security Managers have been trained in its use. Two of the managers are also volunteer firefighters.
In the event that UBC Okanagan was evacuated due to fire, UBC Alert would be used to send text messages to faculty, staff and students that have subscribed to the service. All of these messages direct people to the Emergency Procedures and Information website for more information.
A plan with the Regional District of the Central Okanagan is also in place to provide support for transportation, housing and shelter, provision of food, and family reunification.
For more information on UBC Okanagan’s fire preparedness and response, visit: emergency.ok.ubc.ca/procedures/wildfire
