Every year, wildfires are getting bigger and more frequent in BC. Stats have shown that 50% of homes burnt during a wildfire are started by embers, which can travel up to 2 km on average. Embers have been known to travel up to 6 km in the right conditions.
By taking steps to reduce the risk of wildfire affecting their properties, homeowners play an important role in wildfire prevention.
FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program
The FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program (WMP) was designed to engage residents in voluntary wildfire mitigation activities by offering a professional home assessment with property-specific recommendations.
Request a Free Home/Property Assessment
Property owners and residents in the District of Hope are eligible for a free FireSmart assessment.
The FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program was designed to engage residents in voluntary wildfire mitigation activities by offering a professional home assessment with property-specific recommendations.
A FireSmart Property Assessment provides residents with:
- An in-depth, on-site assessment conducted by experienced fire professionals.
- An opportunity for property owners to identify mitigation actions unique to their property.
- A detailed follow-up report with customized mitigation actions designed to measurably reduce the wildfire risk to your property.
- An opportunity to earn FireSmart acknowledgement for your mitigation achievements through a certificate. The certificate is given upon successful completion of required mitigation actions and an on-site follow-up inspection.
- A mitigation certification that can be shared with participating insurance providers to showcase mitigation activities and may be eligible for insurance incentives or discounts. Please note: FireSmart does not share the assessment or any details of the assessment with the insurance industry.
- FireSmart Home signage for their property (upon successful completion of required mitigation actions and an on-site follow-up inspection).
Complete this form to request your free home assessment by one of our Wildfire Mitigation Specialists.
FireSmart Rebate Program
If you complete any of your FireSmart assessment recommendations, you are eligible for a rebate of 50% of your expenses incurred, up to $1000, (total rebate of $500).
FireSmart rebate program qualifications:
- Schedule a FireSmart home assessment with our Wildfire Mitigation Specialists who will answer your questions and provide you with a list of specific recommendations for your property.
- Complete one or more of the recommendations and take before and after photos to show your FireSmart activities.
- Complete a FireSmart rebate form provided during your property assessment. Include receipts for supplies, and a record of your hours along with before and after photos. Email the completed form to firesmart@hope.ca or submit the online form.
- Your labour is valued at $32 per hour for each eligible FireSmart activity you complete. A limited number of rebates are available and are limited to 50% of the total cost up to a maximum of $1000.
FireSmart Property Support Program
The District of Hope is pleased to offer the FireSmart Property Support Program, a free service designed to assist homeowners with practical, on-the-ground wildfire risk reduction. Through this program, trained FireSmart crew members are available to help residents complete small-scale, low-risk mitigation tasks that contribute to a safer property and community.
Participation is limited and based on eligibility, property conditions, and crew capacity.
Services Offered
Depending on your property's needs and the recommendations in your FireSmart Home Assessment, the FireSmart Crew may be able to assist with:
- Removal of Combustible Materials: Clearing dry leaves, needles, and other flammable debris from around the home and outbuildings using hand tools.
- Firewood Relocation: Moving stacked firewood to a safer distance away from the structure (ideally 10+ metres).
- Gutter Cleaning: Cleaning out accessible gutters to reduce buildup of flammable debris.
- Basic Pruning: Removing lower tree limbs and ladder fuels to reduce the risk of ground fires reaching the canopy.
- Light Vegetation Thinning: Managing dense plant growth within the 10–30 metre zone from structures.
Please note that work is limited to tasks deemed safe and appropriate for the crew and that align with the FireSmart BC guidelines. Chainsaw work, roof climbing, or large-scale landscaping are not included.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to District of Hope residents, with priority given to residents who:
- Face barriers to performing this work independently (e.g., financial limitations, physical mobility issues, lack of equipment)
- Live in areas with elevated wildfire risk as identified by the District
- Have completed a FireSmart Home Assessment
Eligible properties must be accessible by road and safe for the FireSmart crew to operate on. Work is not performed inside buildings or on steep, hazardous terrain.
How to Apply
You can apply in one of the following ways:
📍 In Person:
Pick up or drop off a paper application at the District of Hope Office:
Address: 325 Wallace Street
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
🌐 Online:
Complete the online application here.
Applications will be accepted until all available spaces are filled. Early submission is encouraged.
Before You Apply
A FireSmart Home Assessment must be completed before requesting property work from the FireSmart crew. The assessment is free, takes between one and two hours, and provides a custom report highlighting steps you can take to reduce fire risk on your property.
FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP)
FireSmart Canada developed the FCNRP to officially recognize neighbourhoods that have taken critical steps to reduce their vulnerabilities to wildfire. Because FireSmart is most effective when neighbours band together.
About the program
If your neighbourhood, subdivision or small town is prone to wildfire, then you can get FireSmart recognition status by meeting the following criteria:
- Enlisting a Local FireSmart Representative,Mitigation Specialist or FireSmart Co-ordinator to complete an assessment and create a plan that identifies locally agreed-upon solutions that the neighbourhood can implement.
- Sponsoring a local Neighbourhood FireSmart Committee, which maintains the FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan and tracks its progress or status.
- Conducting FireSmart events each year that are dedicated to a local FireSmart project.
- Investing a minimum of $2 per capita annually in local FireSmart Neighbourhood efforts.
- Submitting an annual report to FireSmart Canada that documents continuing compliance with the program.
Click Here To Learn How To Apply
Get FireSmart at Home
FireSmart principles are designed to mitigate a home’s vulnerability to wildfire. Homes ignite due to the condition of the home and everything that surrounds it, up to 100 metres from the foundation – this is called the Home Ignition Zone.
Learn more about the Home Ignition Zone and how you can take proactive action on your property to reduce wildfire risks.
The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan
The District of Hope, in collaboration with the public, community stakeholders, and neighboring First Nation partners, has completed its Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP).
Supported by the Union of BC Municipalities and the provincial government, this plan identifies local wildfire risks and outlines actions to reduce those risks and enhance community safety.
Wildfire resiliency means understanding the realities of living in a forested area, taking proactive steps to protect lives and property, and being ready to respond when needed.
The CWRP will guide our FireSmart program efforts through to March 2030, helping us build a safer, more resilient community.
Learn more about the plan in this short video.
Click HERE to view or download the full plan document.
Resources
District of Hope FireSmart
604-869-5671
firesmart@hope.ca
