FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program
Citizen involvement is the cornerstone of the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program.
If you live in a region susceptible to wildfires, you and your neighbours will learn how to decrease the risk of losing your homes, and how to best protect yourselves in the event of a wildfire.
FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods allow firefighters to concentrate on fighting the wildfire, which ultimately saves more homes and lives.
Neighbourhoods in which residents take steps to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of surviving a wildfire without the intervention of the fire department.
What are the recognition criteria?
Neighbourhoods, subdivisions, and small towns in areas of Canada prone to wildfire can earn FireSmart Neighbourhood recognition status by meeting the following criteria:
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??
Following these steps, your neighbourhood will be on its way toward becoming FireSmart. Application and Renewal forms can be found under our “Resources” tab.
01
Contact FireSmart
A neighbourhood representative (you or another interested member of your neighbourhood) phones FireSmart Canada at 204-784-8422 or completes an on-line request for contact by the Local FireSmart Representative on this website!
02
Site Visit
03
Neighbourhood Representation
A t the same time, your Neighbourhood Champion (again, this could be you) recruits others from your neighbourhood to create a FireSmart Committee which will include other homeowners and fire professionals and possibly land managers, planners and members of other interest groups.
04
Assessment & Evaluation
05
Moving Forward/Creating A Plan
Y our 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 Committee 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.
06
Implement Solutions
07
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.
08
Renewing Your Recognition Status
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”:
Creates defensible space that prevents fires from advancing and endangering homes and lives.
Reduces the probability that wind-driven embers falling far ahead of a wildfire will ignite a fire on or around your home.
Improves property value while reducing the risk of loss.
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.
Encourages good neighbours, since the more homes within a neighbourhood that adopt “FireSmart” practices, the greater the impact on reducing the heat and speed of the fire.
Offers peace of mind, knowing that your home is prepared to survive a wildfire in the event one should occur.
Learn how to become a Recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood
Neighbourhoods near you
See a list of the communities in your province or territory who have been recognized as FireSmart neighbourhoods, and find your local FireSmart liaison to take the next step.