The neighbourhood recognition program is based on principles originally developed by the National Fire Protection Association®. FireSmart Canada continues to work with NFPA on collaborative engagement and research.
How can my neighbourhood become a Recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood?
Becoming FireSmart takes time and coordination with your neighbours and others, but getting started is actually quite straightforward.
Following these steps, your neighbourhood will be on its way toward becoming FireSmart. Application and Renewal forms can be found under our “Resources” tab.
1. Contact FireSmart
A neighbourhood representative (you or another interested member of your neighbourhood) phones FireSmart Canada at 780-718-5355 or completes an on-line request for contact by the Local FireSmart Representative on this website!
2. Site Visit
Your Local FireSmart Representative, a specialist in wildland/urban interface (WUI) fire, will visit your area and assess wildfire hazards.
3. Neighbourhood Representation
At the same time, your Neighbourhood Champion (again, this could be you) recruits others from your neighbourhood to create a FireSmart Board which will include other homeowners and fire professionals and possibly land managers, planners and members of other interest groups.
4. Assessment & Evaluation
The Local FireSmart Representative completes the wildfire hazard assessment and evaluation of the neighbourhood's wildfire readiness and schedules a meeting with your local FireSmart Board to present the assessment for review and acceptance by the Board.
5. Moving Forward/Creating A Plan
Your local FireSmart Board develops a FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan (a set of solutions to its WUI fire issues based on the Local FireSmart Representative's report). All members of the FireSmart Board must concur with the final plan which is presented to and approved by the provincial/territorial FireSmart Liaison. The Local FireSmart Representative may work with your neighbourhood to seek project implementation funds if needed.
6. Implement Solutions
Solutions from your FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan are implemented following a schedule designed by your FireSmart Board, who will be responsible for maintaining the program into the future.
7. Apply for Recognition
FireSmart Neighbourhood recognition status is achieved after your neighbourhood submits its application form along with a completed FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan and FireSmart Event documentation to your Local FireSmart Representative. Use the online form available under our "Resources" tab.
8. Renewing Your Recognition Status
Annual renewal of your recognition is completed by submitting documentation of your neighbourhood's continued participation to the provincial/territorial FireSmart Liaison. Use the on-line form available under our "Resources" tab.
What are the benefits of being a FireSmart Neighbourhood?
While the benefits can vary, there are a number of positive outcomes experienced by Neighbourhoods that become members of the FireSmart Neighbourhoods Program. Being “FireSmart”:
Improves Neighbourhood relationships with the local fire staff.
Firefighters can concentrate their efforts on fighting wildfires rather than devoting often limited resources to protecting homes – which may ultimately be lost if the fire can’t be contained.