Fire Proofing Community

Fire Mitigation in Wilden

When it comes to protecting homes and forests during wildfire season, prevention is everything. Since 2018, Wilden has been investing in professional fire mitigation. Every winter we treat wooded areas by taking out fire fuel and thinning out tree stands. 

In our latest video, we hear from Rick Pasutto, the forester and wildfire expert that leads our mitigation crews. These treatments have two main intentions:  

• Preventing large crown fires that would be a threat to close-by homes  
• Maintaining a thriving eco-system by taking out sick and damaged trees that are competing with healthy ones for nutrients.  

“By mimicking mother nature, we make tree stands more resilient,” Rick explains, “and thereby provide safe fire suppression.” 

The work involves carefully removing the most dangerous wildfire fuels, what professionals call “ladder fuels”, and selectively spacing trees. Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, which are naturally fire-resistant, are preserved and given room to thrive. 

This is not just about ecology. It’s about safety, and the results speak volumes. 

In August 2023, when the McDougall Creek Fire jumped Okanagan Lake from West Kelowna, it swept through Wilden’s land, but not a single home in our community was lost or seriously threatened. Much of the fire was held back by previously treated stands.  

“The 2023 fire was proof,” says Rick. “How we do wildfire mitigation works.” 

Wilden’s forward-thinking approach, in partnership with seasoned forestry experts, has made a real impact. The area has been recognised by BC Wildfire as a model for effective fire management.  

As we look ahead to future development, the benefits of this work are already in place. The remaining trees are stronger, the forest floor is safer, and the community has the best fire protection possible while co-existing with nature.  

Wilden’s natural beauty makes it home. We work to preserve it.