Good neighbours do more than lend a cup of sugar—they look out for each other. That includes working together to reduce wildfire risk in the community, and the FireSmart™ Neighbourhood Recognition Program is one way to boost those efforts.
The program recognizes neighbourhoods that take collective action to prepare for wildfire, from identifying hazards and developing mitigation plans to organizing group cleanups and educational events.
“Safer, more resilient communities start with neighbours supporting one another,” says County of Grande Prairie Reeve Amanda McDonald. “Wildfire doesn’t stop at property lines, so protecting our homes is something we do together. Spending an afternoon clearing brush side by side can go a long way, both in reducing risk and in getting to know the people next door.”
FireSmart Canada offers a few incentives to help residents get started. It includes $1,000 for eligible applicants, and $750 for neighbourhoods renewing their annual recognition status. The incentive supports projects identified in a residential area’s mitigation plan, helping residents turn wildfire preparedness goals into practical action.
“Protecting our neighbourhoods from wildfire starts with understanding the risks and taking steps to reduce them,” says City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “The FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program gives residents the knowledge, tools and support to make meaningful improvements close to home. By sharing what we learn, lending a hand to our neighbours and taking action together, we can make our neighbourhoods safer, strengthen community connections and take pride in caring for the place we call home.”
Even though communities need to band together to get the recognition, one of the most important steps to becoming a FireSmart community is identifying a local volunteer to champion the program.
“Having a dedicated resident spearhead the application is key to getting their FireSmart journey started,” says Caleb Laing, Regional FireSmart Coordinator. “Someone needs to bring people together, build momentum and keep the effort moving forward. That leadership can make the difference between a good idea and a community that takes real, lasting action to reduce wildfire risk.”
Recognition also helps build relationships among locals and strengthens connections with fire services. The process encourages communities to keep wildfire preparedness on the agenda year after year.
First Regional Community Celebrated
Earlier this year, Sunnybrook became the first community in the region to join the Neighbourhood Recognition Program. The subdivision of acreages in the County of Grande Prairie, 9 kilometres east of the City of Grande Prairie, was located in marshland area with vegetation ripe for wildfire burning after years of drought.
“The grass was so thick," says Sunnybrook resident Terry Vavrek-Froland. "I could just visualize a fire coming across there."
After receiving recommendations on how to become more resilient against fires, homeowners helped each other with FireSmart tasks, clearing gutters for one another, removing lower tree branches, and keeping vegetation pruned.
Now, if a wildfire occurs, the risk of it spreading to nearby homes is reduced, giving firefighters a better chance of protecting them from destruction.
Residents interested in learning more about the FireSmart™ Neighbourhood Recognition Program, including how to get involved, can visit their municipality's website:
- County of Grande Prairie: countygp.ab.ca/FireSmart.
- City of Grande Prairie: cityofgp.com/FireSmart.