The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will host the third annual Ember Stomp Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 1 in Jaffray.

Organized through the East Kootenay FireSmart Program, the event is open to all residents and focuses on practical steps individuals and communities can take to reduce wildfire risk.

“All residents in the area are invited to take part in Ember Stomp to learn what they can do to help themselves, their neighbours, and their communities be prepared in case of wildfire,” said Sloane More, RDEK Emergency & Disaster Mitigation Coordinator.

The event runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jaffray Community Hall (7369 Jaffray Village Loop Road). Programming includes an educational presentation at 1 p.m. and a live fire demonstration at 2 p.m. led by Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service.

Families can also expect hands-on activities, including opportunities to view wildland firefighting equipment, meet Ember the FireSmart Fox, and participate in games and learning stations focused on wildfire preparedness.

Participating organizations include the BC Wildfire Service, Living Lakes Canada, the BC Ministry of Forests – Wildfire Risk Reduction, Rocky Mountain Trench Society, ʔa·kinq̓uku Fire Service Ltd., the Western Painted Turtle Recovery Team, Fernie Home Hardware Building Centre, Cloverdale Paints, C.L.E.A.R. Society, Kootenay Landscaping, GFL, Fernie Garden Centre, Gallagher eShepherd Virtual Fencing, South Country Ag Society, and the Kootenay Livestock Association.

A concession will be available on site, provided by the Jaffray Community Club and the Sand Creek Lions Club.

“We’re grateful to all of our participating partners for generously contributing their time and resources to help ensure residents have the chance to learn practical steps to protect themselves and their properties,” added More.

More information on Ember Stomp and other FireSmart initiatives is available through the RDEK.