Squamish-Lillooet Regional District offers free FireSmart program in electoral areas

Apr. 3, 2023, Pemberton, B.C. – With support from the Union of B.C. Municipalities, through the Community Resiliency Investment Program, and help from locally-based Landscope Consulting, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has kicked off its 2023 FireSmart program with free activities for all electoral area residents.

The SLRD has begun to encourage every resident to take part in FireSmart activities and help mitigate the risk of wildfire on their property and in their community.

“This is really important work, and we’d like to see as much participation as possible,” said Electoral Area C Director, Russell Mack, Chair of the Electoral Area Directors (EAD) Committee. “Wildfire is a risk to the entire region, and every one of us has a part to play in helping to reduce that risk,” he said.

Beginning in April, property owners can receive a free FireSmart Home Assessment, conducted by a qualified Local FireSmart Representative (LFR).

“FireSmart practices protect our individual properties, and help mitigate wildfires in our region,” said Electoral Area A Director, Sal DeMare. “A little bit of work can really pay off in the long run – the assessment is free, and there are rebates available to help with the cost of the work; there’s really no reason to not participate in this program.”

“We have all witnessed the devastation that wildfire can cause,” added Electoral Area B Director, Vivian Birch-Jones. “Doing some work now, to mitigate that risk, can make all the difference when wildfire is approaching.”

The FireSmart assessment takes about 90 minutes and provides homeowners with a detailed report identifying risk factors specific to their homes and property, a list of recommendations for mitigation work, and tips for FireSmart landscaping and emergency preparedness.

“Wildfire may be something we have come to expect, but that just gives us all the more reason to be prepared, as best as possible,” said Electoral Area D Director, Tony Rainbow. “No one will regret taking the necessary steps to protect their home from the risk of wildfire.”