The B.C. government is encouraging residents of wildland-urban interface areas to help safeguard their homes and communities by becoming more “FireSmart”.
Partners in Protection Canada publishes “FireSmart: Protecting Your Community from Wildfire”, which has been widely distributed in Canada and abroad. The manual offers homeowners, businesses and communities a comprehensive guide to mitigating wildfire risks and making properties more fire-resistant.
Partners in Protection Canada and FireSmart Canada have also launched a new website that includes “how-to” safety articles, landscaping and property maintenance tips, videos and other learning resources. B.C.’sWildfire Management Branch, along with other Canadian provinces and territories, supported the website’s development.
Another key component of the program is the FireSmart Communities Recognition Program, which works with communities throughout the province to certify and maintain their FireSmart status.
“One of the best ways to prevent large wildfires is to reduce the odds of small fires spreading and getting out of control,” says Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson of FireSmart. “The B.C. government supports the Partners in Protection initiative and encourages communities and individuals to learn more about the FireSmart program.”