On April 26, residents of the community of Bralorne, located 75 kilometres north of the Village of Pemberton, came close to a very early spring wildfire.
Shortly after smoke started billowing near the edge of the historic mining town from the Cadwallader Creek wildfire, local residents, firefighters and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) personnel jumped into action. Thankfully, the situation was under control before significant damage to the community could occur.
The blaze came on the heels of a more extensive 20-hectare wildfire north of Lillooet, on the Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation in Area B of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) on April 18, which resulted in the region's first evacuation alert of the 2023 season. Fortunately, the BCWS and local fire crews quickly got the South East Skwish Creek Fire under control and extinguished it.
These early spring wildfires in the SLRD serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of FireSmarting properties and preparing for the worst-case scenarios as the province's fire seasons grow longer and more severe.
To help residents prepare for potential wildfires, the SLRD, in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities' Resiliency Investment Program and Landscope Consulting, offers up to $500 in FireSmart program rebates to eligible property owners in the four Electoral Areas of the regional district.
“This is really important work, and we’d like to see as much participation as possible,” Area C Director Russell Mack said in a release. “Wildfire is a risk to the entire region, and every one of us has a part to play in helping to reduce that risk.”
Beginning in April, property owners in the electoral areas can receive a free FireSmart Home Assessment from a qualified Local FireSmart Representative (LFR). The assessments take about 90 minutes and provide a detailed report to homeowners of risk factors and what mitigation work needs to take place.
“The Rebate Program is always very popular in the SLRD, and we are thrilled to offer it again this year," SLRD wildfire mitigation lead Maude Lussier said.
"For many homeowners, FireSmart work can get costly; this is our way of recognizing that commitment and motivating residents to get started on this important work.”
To participate in the FireSmart Rebate Program, residents must book a free assessment, complete some or all of the FireSmart recommendations made by the LFR within 60 days of the assessment date, log work hours, and save receipts if hiring help.
Program participants then must book a post-work visit with the LFR and submit a completed copy of the recommended activities form and all applicable receipts. The number of rebates available is limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
“FireSmart practices protect our individual properties and help mitigate wildfires in our region,” Area A Director Sal DeMare said. “A little bit of work can really pay off in the long run—the assessment is free, and there are rebates available to help with the cost of the work; there’s really no reason to not participate in this program.”
To book an assessment, email [email protected] or call 604-894-6371 extension 262.
More information about FireSmart and the rebate program is available on the SLRD website: www.slrd.bc.ca/FireSmart
