Urban forest fire mitigation work to begin this week in the Pines

Along with the annual tree risk mitigation work already underway throughout the city, additional fire prevention work will begin in forested areas of the Pines this week.

Officials with the City of Red Deer say this work involves removing dead trees and brush, to reduce the overall potential fire load of forested areas. In some cases, crews will chip the fallen trees, and in other cases fallen logs will be left in place as decomposing wood performs an integral role in the forest ecology, say City officials. Per the Parks and Public Works Bylaw, residents are reminded that it is prohibited to remove logs and trees from urban forests and park spaces.

Officials say crews will work in forested areas of the Pines, east and north of Piper Drive. All work is expected to occur on public land, and at least 20 metres from private property lines.

“This work is a continuation of the fire load reduction work that we began in the area last year, and by doing this work in the winter we are being proactive in advance of a fire season which typically begins in the spring,” said Greg Sikora, Manager of Parks and Public Works.