FireSmart

Wildfire is a risk that all British Columbians need to be prepared for, but while that seems like a big task, the City of Prince George and FireSmart are here to help you get started and make proven steps toward protecting your home and your community from wildfire.

FireSmart 101

- FireSmart BC is the provincial program committed to helping British Columbians reduce
  their wildfire risk.
- FireSmart is the Canadian standard recognized by all provinces and territories
  and is based on National Fire Protection Association standards that have evolved
  over the last 40 years.
- The FireSmart program was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal
  property damage due to wildfires.
- FireSmart BC is the go-to resource for individuals, neighbourhoods and communities
  looking to protect themselves and their properties from wildfire.
- FireSmart BC is based on scientific research that shows that doing simple FireSmart
  tasks like mowing your lawn, cleaning your gutters and pruning your trees can make your
  property more resilient to wildfire.
People can play a critical role in mitigating wildfire risks around their homes and
properties by undertaking FireSmart initiatives. For example, residents can help protect their homes by:
- Cleaning any dry debris like leaves or branches from under decks,
- Making sure roofs and gutters are clean and clear,
- Keeping lawns cut short (below 10 centimetres) – wildfire loves tall grass!,
- Moving items like firewood, propane tanks, plastic toys, dog houses at
  least 10 M from structures.
- Keeping trees and shrubs pruned and watered,
- When planting new trees or plants, opt for the leafy variety that are more
  resistant to fire. Examples are poplar, birch, aspen, cottonwood, maple,
  alder, ash and cherry.
- Visit FireSmart BC to find out how to make your property and community more
  resilient to wildfire.
- Resident’s can use the interactive FireSmart Begins at Home Guide to make their
  property and neighbourhood FireSmart.
- The interactive Landscaping Hub includes an extensive list of fire-resistant plants, tips
  on how to create a FireSmart landscape, and information on the FireSmart BC Plant
  Program.