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Read All Latest NewsVolunteers remove 90 bathtubs worth of invasive Scotch broom from Langford park
News Article by Jeff Lawrence | Chek News
A group of community-minded volunteers worked together on the West Shore Saturday to remove invasive and highly flammable Scotch broom from Solstice Park.
Some 26 Langford residents braved rainy weather to remove more than 14 cubic metres, roughly 90 bathtubs, worth of invasive plants and woody debris from the park to reduce its fire risk.
The work was part of a FireSmart initiative co-led by Green Teams of Canada and Langford Fire Rescue, supported by FireSmart BC.
Scotch broom, while invasive, is also a serious fire hazard. Its dense, woody stems and high oil content make it highly flammable, especially during dry summer months.
When left unmanaged, it can form “ladder fuels” that help ground fires climb into the treetops, increasing the risk of fast-moving wildfires near homes.
“It’s super smart to FireSmart our forests, the houses are right here,” said Langford City Coun. Mary Wagner, who helped with the removal. “For safety, it’s critical. But it also just feels good to work with people in the community.”
Organizers say the hands-on effort not only reduced fuel loads around the growing area but also served as an example of how involving residents can help foster environmental awareness and strengthen neighbourhood bonds.
They hope the event serves as a model for other B.C. communities looking to involve the public in wildfire preparedness.
Scotch broom, also known as English broom, is a fast-spreading invasive plant introduced from Europe as a garden ornamental.
According to the Invasive Species Council of BC, it thrives in sunny, disturbed areas like roadsides, rangelands and recently, logged areas, where it quickly outcompetes native vegetation and disrupts local ecosystems.
The plant poses multiple hazards by obstructing sightlines along roads, increasing wildfire intensity due to its high oil content and is toxic to livestock.
A single Scotch broom plant can live up to 25 years and produce seeds that remain viable in the soil for up to three decades.
More information about upcoming FireSmart initiatives and how to get involved is involved at FireSmartBC.ca and GreenTeamsCanada.ca.