FireSmart
MainWhy FireSmart?Get FireSmart!FAQ
What is FireSmart?
FireSmartTM is a shared responsibility. It’s about living in a fire-prone ecosystem and taking the necessary steps to protect your family, property, and community from wildfire. FireSmart is a national and provincial inter-agency program that aims to reduce the risk of loss of life and property from wildfires.
Being FireSmart is about making small changes year-round so your property is prepared for the next wildfire. A proactive approach to wildfire preparedness has been shown to reduce the risk of loss of life and property in the most extreme wildfire conditions.
Why FireSmart?
The threat of wildfire is increasing. Despite recent wet summers, the trend in BC is toward more devastating wildfire seasons. In 2021, BC saw 1,642 wildfires, a 250 percent increase from 2020.
The Peace Region is particularly vulnerable to wildfire due to the many areas where wildland and urban environments interface; this, combined with strong winds throughout the fire season, creates a climate of unique fire risk. Wildfires in the region are occurring earlier and lasting longer. Don’t wait for a wildfire event. Prepare your property now.
The homes that are prepared are the homes left standing. Homes that take defensive actions using non-flammable roofs and having all vegetation treated within 10m will have over 90% chance of surviving a wildfire.
Get FireSmart!
Every year, the PRRD is proud to offer free and confidential one-hour home assessments for residents for FireSmart. The 2022 assessment season has ended, but please check back in the spring of 2023.
Get started this winter by taking the free online training FireSmart 101, which empowers homeowners to take action!
Since 2021, 101 homes in rural areas have been assessed, and the One Island Lake Cottage Association has become the Peace Region’s first recognized FireSmart neighborhood! To learn more about last year’s program click here.
FAQ
Will anyone be entering my home?
Our wildfire experts will only look at the exterior and the landscape around your house before giving tailored advice on how to mitigate the risk of forest fires impacting your home.
Do you keep any of the information from the property visits?
All the assessments are confidential, and the information is only shared with you as the homeowner.
Do the assessments affect my home insurance?
No information from the assessments is shared or stored.
Am I able to have another assessment if I received one last year?
Yes, having a another assessment is a great way to track your progress towards being FireSmart.
