FireSmart program

We anticipate demand for the FireSmart program will exceed available grant funding. We are currently addressing applications carried over from last year's waitlist, and interested residents in Central Okanagan Electoral Area East and West can add their name to this year's waitlist by emailing firesmart@rdco.com. We anticipate the program will reach capacity quickly.

Protecting your community starts with you

Making your home, property and neighbourhood FireSmart can help reduce wildfire risk and improve your property's resilience when wildfire occur.

Good practices homeowners can take

Create an immediate zone 0 – 1.5 metres around the entire home
Follow the immediate zone by creating Intermediate and Extended zones
Trim ladder fuels such as branches up to 2 metres off the ground
Clean debris away from your house, off your roof, and out of your gutters
Install 3m meshing in fire resistive vents (except for dryer vent)
Seal cracks and areas such as decks and patios where embers might reach

Resources

About the FireSmart program

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) FireSmart program provides education, assessments and community outreach opportunities for residents in the Central Okanagan East and West electoral areas. The RDCO FireSmart program relies on provincial funding through the Province of B.C.'s Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program that helps communities reduce wildfire risk and improve preparedness.

Because the program is supported by grant funding, the number of property assessments, rebates and community initiatives available each year is limited and subject to available funding.

We anticipate demand for the FireSmart program will exceed available grant funding. We are currently addressing applications carried over from last year's waitlist, and interested residents in Central Okanagan Electoral Area East and West can add their name to this year's waitlist by emailing firesmart@rdco.com. We anticipate the program will reach capacity quickly.

What to expect

Staff will contact residents when an assessment appointment becomes available.

Residents who receive an assessment will be provided with recommendations and guidance to help make their property more FireSmart.

Upcoming FireSmart events

FireSmart staff attend community events throughout the year to share information about wildfire preparedness and FireSmart principles.

Dates to be announced

FireSmart community offsite disposal events

Offsite disposal events help residents dispose of eligible vegetation and yard waste generated through FireSmart activities.

Coming soon. Dates, locations and material acceptance requirements will be posted as they become available.

Who can I contact for more information?

For questions about FireSmart assessments, rebates, events or educational resources, contact firesmart@rdco.com.