FireSmart Program Update

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) FireSmart program continues to make strides in community wildfire preparedness, with this year marked by strong public engagement, neighborhood participation, and continued fuel reduction efforts.

Although some larger-scale fuel treatments were delayed, the SCRD FireSmart team successfully completed a treatment at Brookman Park in Sechelt. Small ongoing treatments were also carried out at Whispering Firs Park and Georgia Crest Park, and a FireSmart cleanup day was organized in collaboration with the Tuwanek Community. To date, the team has removed over 200,000 pounds (that's the equivalent of 25 elephants!) of forest floor and community debris, reducing wildfire risk across the region.

Community interest in FireSmart programs remains high. Several neighborhoods have begun the application process for FireSmart Canada Recognized Neighborhood status, and multiple Strata Councils are requesting Wildfire Risk Assessments. Notably, the Sherwood Grove Strata Council, a previous Recognized Neighborhood, recently received a $2,000 discount on their strata insurance due to their status.

Educational programming continues to be a key focus. Quarterly storytelling sessions at the Gibsons and Sechelt Libraries are now scheduled through 2026, and the FireSmart team delivered the BC Girl Guide FireSmart program to more than 500 campers and leaders at Camp Olave.

Public engagement between July 1 and September 30 included approximately 18 events, ranging from neighborhood association gatherings and farmers markets to the Halfmoon Bay Fair, the Egmont Fire Department's two-day boot drive, Pender Harbour Days, St. Barts Annual Barbecue, and the Coast Rod & Gun Club Fall Fair.

FireSmart operational achievements through July and September include:

• 137 Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) assessments
• 7 Community Wildfire Risk Assessments
• 9 Wildfire Mitigation Program assessments

For more information about the SCRD FireSmart program, or to schedule your free assessment, visit: www.scrd.ca/firesmart