The 2024 intake of the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program has been announced. FireSmart will continue to support local governments and First Nations build wildfire resiliency in their communities, with some program design changes for 2024. Two webinars are scheduled to help applicants understand the changes.
The FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire.
Based on feedback from our members and from successful applicants, a number of program design changes have been incorporated into the 2024 program, including:
- Increased funding amounts
- New: FireSmart activities for culturally significant sites
- New: FireSmart activities for green spaces
- Funding for FireSmart mitigation activities on residential properties owned by seniors or vulnerable populations
- Increased rebate amounts for home and property owners
The application review process is also changing and all applications will now need to complete an eligibility review with the BC Wildfire Service or First Nations’ Emergency Services Society before the application is submitted.
Also starting in 2024, all applicants will be required to have a FireSmart staff position, Community FireSmart & Resiliency Committee, and a current Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. Applicants that do not currently have these FireSmart components will be limited in the activities they can apply for.
Two webinars are scheduled to help new and returning applicants understand the changes to the program: July 26 and October 13. Please register in advance.
The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, Forest Enhancement Society of BC, and UBCM work with the Ministry of Forests to deliver the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program. Funding is provided by the Province of BC.
For more information, contact cri@ubcm.ca or (604) 270-8226 ext. 220.