All provinces and territories have adopted “fire smart” programs  to encourage owners in high risk of wild fire to reduce materials that may promote fire spread if under threat.

ORFA reminds members of their responsibility to evaluate outdoor facilities and to manage the vegetation and other housekeeping matters as part of their operational plans. This can be accomplished by having appropriate grounds maintenance plans that focus on:

• creating a non-combustible zone up to 1.5 metres around all infrastructure whenever possible
• reduce shrubs, evergreen trees and dead material within 10 metres of all facilities
• thin and prune trees within 10-30 metres of all facilities
• ensure power lines are clear of tree limbs
• plant fire resistant plants

This responsibility should be added to all Recreation Facility Asset Management plans.