Region-Wide FireSmart Program
Every year in BC, people and properties are threatened by wildfires. Many of these fires occur in areas called the urban interface zone where homes, cabins and subdivisions are built into the forest landscape.
Individual property owners can and should help reduce the risk of wildfire affecting their properties.
Check out this short video below outlining some of what the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) FireSmart program can do to help you.
About FireSmart
FireSmart is a national program designed to reduce interface fire risk to communities. In BC, the FireSmart program is administered by the Wildfire Management Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
The SCRD receives a funding grant from the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Resiliency Fund to support a region-wide wildfire threat mitigation and education campaign.
The grant is spent on local projects through the promotion of FireSmart principles, which include: conducting hazard assessments of homes and properties, offering advice on ways to reduce fire risks, and considering FireSmart standards when developing properties to reduce flammability.
Need some Assistance?
You may submit a request for a FireSmart representative to help you complete an assessment of your home, free of charge by completing the online form below, or you can phone 604-885-6887, or email fire.smart@scrd.ca to make an appointment.
FireSmart assessments are designed to help the homeowner understand how to be more FireSmart, including how to reduce the risk of wildfire on your property and around your home. The assessment is for the use of the homeowner only and cannot be used in any other manner.
It is important to remember that home owners are responsible for the safety and security of their own properties. You need to take action to protect yourself from the threat of wildfire.
Helpful Resources
- FireSmart Begins at Home: This links to a great manual that every property owner in the CSRD should read.
- FireSmart Assessment Guide: This handy guide allows you to self-assess your own level of FireSmart preparedness and risk.
- Exterior Home Sprinklers and Structure Protection Fact Sheet: This is a document that helps with setting up and understanding how you can protect your home with some basic equipment in the event of a wildfire near you.
- FireSmart and Your Home Video: Here is a great three-minute video that demonstrates applying FireSmart principles to your home.
- FireSmart Landscaping Guide: If you are looking to garden, check here for some ideas.