FireSmart

 Wildfires can quickly spread from the forest to a community, becoming what is known as an “interface fire”. In the interface, where the wilderness and urban development meet, it is crucial that homeowners take the time to FireSmart their properties.
Learn more about FireSmart by visiting Firesmartbc.ca or Firesmart Canada.

The District of Squamish is offering free Firesmart Home Assessments to interested residents of Garibaldi Highlands & Valleycliffe and District of Squamish residents of Paradise Valley starting in February 2022.

These neighbourhoods have been identified in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), as having an increased risk to wildfire. Home assessments are an opportunity to receive in person recommendations from a Local Firesmart Representative on how to help reduce your home/property wildfire risk.

Assessments will be by appointment only, take approximately 1 hour and will be based on the Firesmart Home Assessment Score Card and Firesmart Begins at Home Manual. A member of your household must be present during the assessment.

Aaron Foot FireSmart Testimonial from FireSmartBC on Vimeo.

• Nearly half of all wildfires in BC are caused by people.
• More than 50% of homes destroyed by wildfire ignited by embers blown by the wind.
• 85-90% of homes with non-combustible roofs & 10 metres of clearance will survive a major wildfire.

Firesmart is a program developed by Firesmart Canada and Firesmart BC to help homeowners living in or near forested areas identify and address wildfire threats on their property.

Firesmart homes and neighbourhoods allow firefighters to concentrate on fighting wildfires, which ultimately saves more homes and lives. Adopting FireSmart principles to your home and property can help reduce the potential impact of wildfires, and will help firefighters to better defend your home.

You and your neighbours have a major role to play in reducing the wildfire threat to your home. Changes made to the area closest to your home have the greatest impact on reducing the risk of wildfire damage. Ready to start making changes to your home?

Step 1: Review the FireSmart Home Ignition Zone Assessment or download the FireSmart begins at home app.

Step 2: Identify which changes will make the greatest difference in reducing our home’s risk from wildfire.

Step 3: Connect with your neighbours on how you can work together to achieve FireSmart neighbourhood recognition.

Step 4: Check local and Provincial regulations relating to the actions planned for your property.  Download the Actions Based on FireSmart Home Assessment checklist.

Step 5: Contact firesmart@squamish.ca to book a Home Ignition Zone Assessment based on available dates and times.

The District of Squamish is working towards making Squamish a FireSmart Community