Columbia Shuswap Regional District's FireSmart program receives a sizeable grant

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District's FireSmart program received a sizeable grant to fight wildfires.

The province's Community Resiliency Investment Program awarded the CSRD $250,000 to continue educating residents on the risk of wildfires and to work with individuals and communities to reduce the risk and impact of wildfire.

"We are thrilled by the success of our FireSmart assessment program. Since the program started in 2019, we have conducted 608 assessments," said Len Youden, the CSRD's FireSmart co-ordinator.

"The continuation of the grant will ensure that even more CSRD residents can take advantage of having a trained professional assess their home or property and offer ideas on how to reduce wildfire risk."

The program conducts hazard assessments of homes, properties and neighbourhoods, offers advice on ways homeowners can reduce fire risks, and educates the development industry on implementing FireSmart standards.

This season, $100,000 of the grant funds will be used to develop Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans for South Shuswap, Falkland, Salmon Valley and Deep Creek.

Homeowners who complete eligible FireSmart improvements on their own properties may qualify for rebate up to $500.

Information and an online assessment request form are available on the FireSmart page of the CSRD's website.