The BC FireSmart Committee is calling on all British Columbia residents and communities to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by mitigating wildfire risks where they live. It’s also urging neighbours to join forces and help their entire community become a FireSmart Recognized Community, through FireSmart Canada.

“Communities whose residents work together to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of limiting fire-related damage,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “We encourage all residents in rural communities to take simple and effective measures to FireSmart their homes and properties.”

FireSmart BC’s new website contains lots of practical information about the program and how individuals and communities can get started, including:

• local FireSmart events

• courses

• guides

• FireSmart Home Assessment

• Information on how to become a FireSmart Recognized Community

“FireSmart BC’s website is a central resource dedicated solely to wildfire prevention for property owners and communities in B.C.,” said Kelsey Winter, FireSmart Program Lead for the BC Wildfire Service. “It provides all the information resources necessary to FireSmart a home or become a FireSmart Recognized Community.”

There are now 65 FireSmart recognized communities in B.C., and over 100 communities are currently involved in a FireSmart program.

Williams Lake Tribune