As a neighbourhood group, you are already on the right path to becoming more wildfire resilient. Communities can work together to strengthen their surroundings and protect themselves from wildfire.
With a few steps, and some support from the EMC FireSmart Team, your neighbourhood can become a FireSmart Canada Recognized Neighbourhood and receive annual incentives up to $1000.
- Form a FireSmart Neighbourhood Committee.
Be a Neighbourhood Champions(s) and recruit others from your neighbourhood to create a FireSmart Committee. The Committee can be made up of homeowners, Neighbourhood champions, fire professionals or anyone that is interested in improving the wildfire resiliency of your neighbourhood. - Book a free FireSmart Neighbourhood Assessment with the EMC FireSmart team.
Book a free FireSmart Neighbourhood Assessment with the EMC FireSmart team by emailing firesmart@emcowichan.bc.ca or calling 250-746-2500 Ext. 5012. The EMC FireSmart Team will provide an evaluation of your neighbourhood’s wildfire readiness (“Neighbourhood Wildfire Hazard Assessment Form “) and schedule a meeting with your FireSmart Neighbourhood Committee (or residential/strata Board if preferred) to present the assessment for review and acceptance. - Create A FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan.
Members of the Neighbourhood FireSmart Committee create the FireSmart plan (EMC can provide some support where requested), containing a minimum of three FireSmart mitigations ‘Action Items’. The plan is reviewed and approved by the FireSmart Committee. - Hold a FireSmart Event(s).
The Neighbourhood FireSmart Committee plans and holds an event(s) to carry out the activities outlined in the FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan. These activities range from information sessions to ‘work bee’ wildfire hazard clean-up session. FireSmart event(s) are mandatory for recognition and renewal. Use the Volunteer Sign-Up and Volunteer Resource Tracker sheets to record your FireSmart event and neighbourhood involvement. - Work with EMC FireSmart Team to apply for recognition.
The Application form is completed by the Neighbourhood Champion / FireSmart Committee and reviewed by EMC Cowichan. It is submitted to FireSmart BC / Canada for approval. - Renew your recognition status yearly by contacting EMC two months prior to renewal.
For home owners involved in neighbourhood recognition may also wish to consider the Home Partners Program. This free audit program can help inform the next steps towards resilience.
