The City of Kamloops and Kamloops Fire Rescue are pleased to offer free cedar hedge chipping services for two more areas in Kamloops in a continuing effort to enhance wildfire prevention and community safety.

Residents of Aberdeen Glen Village on Howe Road will have the opportunity to have their cedar hedges and junipers chipped on Thursday, June 27. This neighbourhood has been identified as a high risk of wildfire due to its proximity to green space and the types of building construction. Given the area’s limited size, there is no limit on the number of properties able to participate.

On Tuesday, July 23, Barnhartvale residents can benefit from the free chipping service. The service is limited to the first 20 registrants.

Residents in these two areas who wish to take advantage of this offer must register their property with Kamloops Fire Rescue at 250-320-7641.

To ensure their cedar hedges and junipers are chipped, homeowners must remove them and place the material at the edge of their property by the street. Any cedar hedge or juniper under 6 in. in diameter can be chipped. Registered properties must note that this offer is exclusively for cedar hedges and junipers. Other materials, including stumps, will be left behind. A crew will arrive on the scheduled day to perform the chipping. Homeowners do not need to be home.

This initiative follows the successful implementation of free cedar hedge chipping in the Juniper Ridge and Rosehill neighborhoods in May. These areas were prioritized due to their proximity to green spaces and high demand for FireSmart assessments.

Cedar hedges are prized for their beauty and privacy but require substantial water and maintenance. Through the free chipping service, homeowners can reduce fire risk and alleviate the burden of cedar hedge maintenance.

“The initial offer of free chipping in Rosehill and Juniper Ridge was fully subscribed,” said Jeff Pont, Kamloops Fire Rescue’s Life and Safety Educator. “We recognize the demand for this service and are committed to extending it to additional at-risk areas, contingent upon budget and capacity.”