The City of Campbell River is updating progress on the FireSmart Program.

In partnership with We Wai Kai Nation and Wei Wai Kum First Nation, the City has been working to support wildfire preparedness and help residents take steps to mitigate wildfire risks through the Campbell River FireSmart Program.

This work got a boost when the City and We Wai Kai Nation successfully applied for funding from the Union of BC Municipalities in 2023.

The City received about $158 thousand in funding, which is being paid in installments, and received the final installment of $58,481.15 this year.

Mayor Kermit Dahl says with hot and dry conditions increasing the wildfire risk, wildfire preparedness is top-of-mind for many Campbell River residents.

The City says it has used the funding to deliver a program focused on public safety, engagement and inter-agency collaboration, which included working with local First Nations to support wildfire resiliency efforts in a culturally respectful and collaborative way.

Some key accomplishments include helping three neighbourhoods become FireSmart Recognized Neighbourhoods, a process that starts with a neighbourhood champion who gathers support from neighbours and works with a FireSmart Coordinator to have a wildfire danger assessment completed and action recommendations.

The City says among other things, FireSmart neighbourhoods help firefighters concentrate their efforts on fighting wildfires.

More than $14 thousand in homeowner rebates has also been handed out, after the completion of 24 home ignition zone assessments to assess wildfire resiliency.

The rebates are to help with implementing recommendations from FireSmart Home Assessments.

There has also been extra training for local firefighters and the cash helped purchase structure protection equipment for the Campbell River Fire Department, to help protect buildings and additional critical infrastructure.

Jeff Ford, Director of Community Safety, says it's been a collaborative effort. Several supporting organizations also contribute to the program by participating in the Wildfire Resiliency Committee and in community events, including BC Wildfire Service and BC Hydro, the Strathcona Regional District, Greenways Land Trust, and Homalco First Nation, owners of 100.7 The Raven.

Visit FireSmart or email firesmart@campbellriver.ca for more information.

Go to City of Campbell River to view the full news release.