The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) has continued to expand its measures for protecting the community from wildfires. The OIB’s FireSmart Program, which is led by the band-owned and operated Nk’Mip Forestry company, undertook assessments of various homes and infrastructure sites across the community following training with First Nations Emergency Services Society. The assessments and training build on efforts to educate the community on how to make their homes and neighbourhoods safer. “We’ve made it a priority to connect directly with the community,” said Peter Flett, Registered Professional Forester (RPF), Head of Operations, Nk’Mip Forestry. “Our focus this year has been on education by presenting information at meetings, visiting homes, sharing materials, and having conversations with OIB members about how they can better protect their properties.”