CSRD FireSmart programs gets $1 million funding boost

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s FireSmart program will remain active for an additional two years, thanks to a $1.1 million grant from the province’s Community Resiliency Investment program.

The FireSmart program is an education and prevention program with a goal of reducing the risk of wildfires near communities and critical infrastructure.

Derek Sutherland, CSRD general manager of Community and Protective Services pointed to the 2023 Bush Creek East Wildfire as an example where FireSmart properties survived the blaze when others did not. 

Residents in the CSRD can get a free personalized wildfire property assessment through the FireSmart program, to learn about fire risks and what actions are needed to reduce them. The FireSmart program also supports entire neighbourhoods through the Neighbourhood Recognition Program. So far, eight neighbourhoods in the district have achieved this designation.

For more information on the CSRD’s FireSmart Program visit their website at csrd.bc.ca/firesmart.