Clarke’s Beach to hold cleanup on Wildfire Awareness Day

By Olivia Bradbury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Clarke’s Beach will hold a Wildfire Awareness Day in June.

At this month’s public council meeting, council agreed to use $500 it recently received from the provincial government to go towards the event. As part of the event, the Town will host a community cleanup to reduce hazardous materials that could lead to wildfires.

Residents are being invited to clean up wherever they want in the town, even if it is just around their own properties. Alternatively, participants can come to the town hall first where they will be given an assigned area to clean.

The council will rent a dumpster, and residents will be able to bring their garbage to the town hall.

Mayor Danielle Bussey suggested that cleanup participants could exchange filled garbage bags for ballots in a prize draw, and the Town could serve hot dogs.

Bussey reiterated the purpose of the cleanup is to reduce the risk of fires starting from hazardous materials.

Councillor Terri Lee Bishop remarked that at a previous fire department meeting, the dry grass in the area was likened to tissue paper.

Residents are being encouraged by both council and the fire department to clean up grass, leaves, and any other dry foliage that could start a fire. Bishop added that residents should cut branches that are low to the ground so that it will be more difficult for fire to travel up trees.

While they have not yet determined a specific date for the cleanup, council agreed June is a good month to hold it due to the chances of the weather being nicer. They also plan to set the date before school ends and camping season begins. Bussey said it would be best to hold it on a weekend.