Free Yard Waste/Wood Chipping Event Coming To Comox Valley

It is time to clean up the yard and get potential wildfire fuel off your property.

The Comox Valley FireSmart Resilience Committee has announced a collaborative effort to host a yard and wood waste chipping event on April 27th and 28th at the Comox Fire Hall.

It’s happening in the parking lot (1870 Noel Avenue) from 8am to 3pm both days.

The event is funded by the Province of British Columbia’s Community Resiliency Investment grant.

This free drop-off chipping event is being held to support FireSmart safety on properties by facilitating the removal of excess yard waste and wood debris that could potentially fuel wildfires and endanger homes. Yard waste collected during the event will be chipped and disposed of.

Residents are asked to make sure their debris is free of rocks, nails, or roots to prevent damage to machinery.

Treated lumber, construction waste, bags of leaves, or grass clippings are not permitted.

Staff are asking that bottom ends of the branches point in the same direction for efficient processing, with tree trimmings under 16 centimetres (6.3 inches) in diameter and 10 metres (32 feet) in maximum length.

No invasive species such as Scotch Broom, English Holly, Giant Hogweed and Knotweed.

Wood chips cannot be returned to the residents as they are considered fuel under the FireSmart principles.

The onsite chipping contractor reserves the right to refuse any pile or debris they feel does not meet these rules.

FireSmart has become a nationally recognized program that provides communities with information on creating an action plan around homes and properties.

The Comox Valley FireSmart Resilience Committee is a multi-agency partnership with a shared vision of protecting communities from the threat of wildfire through programming and public education in the City of Courtenay, Comox Valley Regional District, K'ómoks First Nation, Town of Comox and Village of Cumberland.

For more information about how to better FireSmart your home and property, visit Comox Fire Rescue, Comox Valley Firesmart, or call your local fire department.

For details on the event, visit Comox Valley Regional District.