The Forest Practices Board took private landowners to task for failing to adopt practices to prevent wildfires from wreaking havoc on their property in a report released this week.
So-called FireSmart principles have been developed to aid property owners in knowing what to look for when it comes to keeping wildfires at bay, but they have not been widely adopted, the FPB said.
"Relying solely on a voluntary program to encourage residents to take action has not been effective," the FPB said. "Having said that, residents and private landowners must take personal responsibility and take steps to protect themselves and their properties."
Among the ideas raised to deal with the problem, the FPB said the provincial government should work with the insurance industry to provide incentives and penalties to homeowners
The FPB also suggested giving provincial and local governments the authority to compel homeowners to meet FireSmart standards within a reasonable time period or risk having a third party do the work and then billing the property owner.
FireSmart tips can be found online at: pgc.cc/1FjWNgP
