WHEREAS the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative is a suite of funding programs administered through the Provincial Fuel Management Working Group and has supported communities to mitigate wildfires within the urban interface since 2004; AND WHEREAS the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has been participating in the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative from the beginning, and over 150 hectares of fuel management projects have been completed, although since 2011 there has been significant reduction in the funding levels: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the Province of BC increase the funding to ensure continued sustainability of the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative program.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations Since 2004, over 61 million has been directed through the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative to help local governments and First Nations significantly reduce wildfire risks around their communities. Projects totalling 5.5 million are underway in 201415 and 201516. As of June 30, 2014, 276 Community Wildfire Protection Plans have been completed by local governments and First Nations. Another 38 are in progress. The Province is presently considering its options to provide continued support for the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative. Local governments have a role to play in implementing FireSmart bylaws for new development in urban interface areas and some jurisdictions have already done so. Likewise, homeowners who live in urban interface areas are being encouraged to FireSmart their properties.