Be FireSmart and protect your property from wildfire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 12, 2021 

A FireSmart Westside is a safer community.

We live in a region susceptible to wildfires; so West Kelowna Fire Rescue is calling on City of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation residents to take FireSmart action today to better protect your families and your homes 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. West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation residents can apply for grants of up to $500 per property for the eligible work they do. The FireSmart program steps are simple:

1. Download, print and complete a free, self-directed assessment at westkelownacity.ca/firesmart
2. Take photos before, conduct the eligible FireSmart work and take photos after
3. Complete your grant application, including photos and receipts, and submit to West Kelowna Fire Rescue at wkfr.prevention@westkelownacity.ca or call 778-797-3200 for assistance

One hundred grants are available this year thanks to funding contributions through the Province of BC’s Community Resiliency Investment Program, compared to 50 in 2020 and 20 in the inaugural 2019 program year. Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

FireSmart actions include:

• Installing non-combustible roofing and siding, cleaning eaves and installing gutter guards
• Keeping needles raked, moving bark mulch from around the house, keeping grass cut to less than 10 centimetres and properly pruning or removing hedges, shrubs and trees away from your house
• Moving firewood, fuel and propane tanks and other combustible materials 10 to 30 metres from your home

The FireSmart campaign is one of several initiatives that will achieve West Kelowna Council’s 2021 to 2022 Strategic Priorities Foster Safety and Well-Being pillar including continuing wildfire mitigation work and emergency planning.