David McIlwraith was raised in Vancouver and has lived on the Coast for 25 years, now calling Roberts Creek home. He values the FireSmart program for the difference it makes—whether in neighbourhoods working toward FireSmart recognition, during assessments, or through the gratitude of homeowners. For David, every interaction is positive, and the program is a wonderful way to serve the community. His top tip for homeowners is to focus on the small, easy steps: keep roofs and gutters clean, and remove all combustible materials within 1.5 metres of the home. These actions, when taken collectively, can make the entire Sunshine Coast more resilient to wildfire.

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Bill Higgs enjoyed a 30-year career with the Sechelt Fire Department before joining the FireSmart program. He values the program because it emphasizes public education and fire prevention, two areas that are especially close to his heart. Bill’s top tip for homeowners is to start small but be consistent. He recommends creating a five-foot non-combustible strip around the home at ground level, likening it to a moat that protects a castle.

Ivy Lock grew up on Texada Island and, after living on Vancouver Island and travelling the globe, has called Roberts Creek home since 2017. Her favourite part of the FireSmart program is the sense of empowerment it brings to homeowners. She loves helping people realize that wildfire risk reduction is more achievable than they may have thought, and that many steps are already within reach. Ivy’s top tip is to remove fine fuels, since ignitions are most likely where embers land in accumulated debris. Clearing roofs, gutters, and the areas under decks and steps—as well as within 1.5 metres of the structure—can significantly reduce risk.

Kyla Trethewey was raised in Abbotsford but has proudly called Halfmoon Bay home for the past eight years. She loves that the FireSmart program allows her to get out in the community, meet people, and empower fellow Coasters to take charge of mitigating their own wildfire risks. For Kyla, FireSmart is a true community effort. Her number one tip for homeowners is to think big but start small—even something as simple as spending a Sunday afternoon raking your perimeter can make huge strides in reducing risk.

Originally from Banff, Lee Fish moved to Gibsons two years ago. He feels that Gibsons is the first place he has lived that rivals Banff for its natural beauty and strong sense of community. Lee’s favourite part of being involved in the FireSmart program is meeting people and visiting sites up and down the Coast, which has helped him connect deeply with the region. His top tip for homeowners is to remember that FireSmarting is a marathon, not a sprint. He encourages people to treat it as an ongoing maintenance project, chipping away at it little by little each year.

Hannah Garden grew up on the Sunshine Coast and was born in Vancouver. She appreciates that the FireSmart program gives her the chance to work with amazing, kind people while also watching communities come together toward a shared goal. Hannah’s number one tip for homeowners is to avoid getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Instead, she suggests starting with small steps—progress will follow quickly.

Charlie Garden lives in Sechelt, British Columbia, and has been part of the FireSmart program for nearly eight months. He finds the most rewarding part of the work is helping people feel more confident and prepared. Knowing that their efforts directly reduce risks and make a real difference for communities is what motivates him most. Charlie’s top tip for homeowners is to start with the little things, because they add up. Clearing away dry leaves, pine needles, and other debris from gutters, roofs, and around the base of a home can greatly reduce fire risk.

Eli Schoepp is from Davis Bay, British Columbia, and is proud to be part of the Sunshine Coast community. For Eli, the best thing about being involved in the FireSmart program is knowing that he’s helping out his community in a meaningful way. His number one tip for FireSmarting a property is simple but effective: clean the gutters.