VICTORIA – B.C. residents can now apply for a chance to receive a $500 award from FireSmart Canada to help their communities hold FireSmart activities or events on Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, May 4, 2019.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is part of an annual campaign by FireSmart Canada, and encourages neighbours to work together to reduce the risk of wildfire damage in their communities. Given the unprecedented 2017 and 2018 wildfires and the growing impact of climate change, it is important for homeowners and communities to do their part to become more “FireSmart.”

Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility, and communities need to be prepared for the upcoming 2019 fire season. A few suggested activities to help people prepare their Wildfire Community Preparedness Day award applications are:

• Host FireSmart information sessions with local fire departments.
• Plan a FireSmart work party. Invite local residents to roll up their sleeves and remove wood debris and fallen trees around their community.
• Hold a FireSmart wood chipping event. Invite local residents to remove or thin vegetation on their properties.
• Invite local fire departments to help conduct FireSmart structure and site hazard assessments.
• Work collectively with neighbours to remove debris (such as leaves and tree needles) from the eaves of every house in the neighbourhood.

Applications for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day awards will be accepted until March 1, 2019. For more information, visit: https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/wildfire-community-preparedness-day-2019/

Quick Facts:

• FireSmart is the Canadian standard for wildfire risk reduction and is recognized by all provinces and territories. It is based on National Fire Protection Association standards that have evolved over the last 40 years in the United States.
• The FireSmart program is backed by a vast amount of field, laboratory and wildfire modelling research. Its methods help reduce the risk of losses under even the most extreme fire conditions.
• The “FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual” was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires. The manual and more information about the FireSmart program are available online at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/for-your-home-community
• Mitigating wildfire risk is a shared responsibility. British Columbians play a critical role in reducing wildfire risks around their homes and properties by undertaking FireSmart initiatives.

Learn More:

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories in B.C., go to: www.bcwildfire.ca

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