High demand expected for RDCO FireSmart program; residents encouraged to join waitlist early

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) has received $600,000 through the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program to help residents in RDCO electoral areas reduce wildfire risk around their homes, properties and neighbourhoods over the next two years.

Demand for the FireSmart program is expected to exceed available funding. The program is 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. The RDCO anticipates available program capacity will be reached quickly.

This funding helps residents reduce wildfire risk around their homes, properties and neighbourhoods. It supports FireSmart education, home and property assessments, rebates and neighbourhood preparedness initiatives designed to help build wildfire resilience in our communities.

While additional funding has expanded program opportunities, available assessments and rebates remain limited. Residents are encouraged to register their interest early and understand that participation is subject to program capacity and available funding. 

Residents do not need to wait for a FireSmart assessment to start reducing wildfire risk around their homes. Simple actions such as clearing dry leaves and debris, cleaning roofs and gutters, trimming trees and shrubs, and keeping flammable materials away from buildings can make a property more resilient to wildfire.

In addition to assessments and rebates, RDCO will continue to support residents through community outreach and education events. These events will provide homeowners with practical FireSmart BC resources, wildfire preparedness information and guidance on actions they can take to reduce risks around their homes and properties.

For more information about the FireSmart program and available resources, visit rdco.com/firesmart.

Background
The funding, provided by the Province of British Columbia and administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), will expand access to FireSmart education, home and property assessments, rebates and neighbourhood preparedness initiatives. It will also support wildfire mitigation work for important community assets and critical infrastructure.