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Using funding from the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program, the municipality of Mackenzie is making it easier for individuals to remove vegetation debris from their homes, reducing flammability. Public works staff provide curbside pickup of vegetation debris in both the town and the rural subdivision. Vegetation goes to forestry/wildlife professionals who slash burn or repurpose the material at the local mill. Smaller materials are chipped and repurposed.

Additionally, the Mackenzie Fire Department conducts free FireSmart home assessments in the community to help residents get started on improving the fire resilience of their homes.

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Mackenzie Fire Department | FireSmart BC

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Mackenzie is a small municipality with a population of 3,500 and has a town site and a rural subdivision. We host curbside pick up different days for each vegetation pick up in order to not overwhelm the public works staff. Regardless, each time we have hosted this service, we have not had enough resources to complete the service in one day due to the high participation in the community. We have had to do the curbside pick up for the townsite on Fridays and have the staff gather the rest of the materials on the following Monday.

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Following the 2021 Nk’Mip Creek wildfire, the Village of Mount Blady collaborated with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary on a comprehensive wildlife mitigation strategy. To improve fire preparedness, Mount Baldy formed two community FireSmart committees, including the appointment of a regional FireSmart coordinator to facilitate fire preparedness efforts. The community has since hosted Wildlife Community Preparedness events, completed FireSmart assessments that help homeowners reduce wildlife risks, and organised community clean-up events (including the clearing of infrastructure beyond individual homes).

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Submitted by Vivienne Hurley

Mount Baldy's success story stands as an inspiring example of community-driven wildfire resiliency following a 'near miss' wildfire experience.

The 2021 Nk'Mip Creek wildfire served as a stark reminder for Mount Baldy and its residents that nothing focuses the mind toward FireSmarting more than a wildfire knocking at your doorstep. The harrowing experience of witnessing the destructive force of the fire firsthand instilled a profound sense of urgency and determination within the community.

However, the lessons learned emphasized that waiting until a wildfire is imminent is not a viable strategy. Communities must not allow wildfires to get dangerously close before taking decisive action. The devastation wrought by the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire underscored the critical need for proactive measures, prompting Mount Baldy to form FireSmart committees, engage experts, and collaborate with the RDKB for a comprehensive mitigation strategy. The community's commitment to learning from this experience and implementing preventative measures demonstrates that waiting for a crisis is not an option when it comes to safeguarding homes and lives against the unpredictable threat of wildfires.
Background:
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has been actively involved in supporting communities in their wildfire resiliency efforts. One such community that has shown remarkable dedication to mitigating wildfire risks is the Village of Mount Baldy especially in the aftermath of the devastating 2021 Nk'Mip Creek wildfire which decimated over 20,000 hectares.

Baldy Village is located on the south side of Mount Baldy on the border of the South Okanagan & West Kootenays, just north of the Canada-US border. Baldy Village is home to about 160 private homes and approximately 40 year-round residents. Residents of Mount Baldy have Recognized the importance of proactive measures and have been collaborating with the RDKB to implement a comprehensive FireSmarting initiative over the past two years.

Former Mt. Baldy resident and Local FireSmart Representative Doug McLeod initiated Mt. Baldy residents on the path to wildfire preparedness.
The Impact of the 2021 Nk'Mip Creek Wildfire:
The catalyst for Mount Baldy's proactive FireSmart initiative was the proximity of the 2021 Nk'Mip Creek wildfire - it was just 2.5km away from the ski resort and 123 households were subject to evacuation orders and alerts during the event (July/August2021). Witnessing the destruction and hardship caused by this wildfire as residents were evacuated for 6 weeks served as a wake-up call for the Mount Baldy community. The scars left by the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire highlighted the urgent need for a robust and proactive approach to mitigate future risks.
Initiation of FireSmart Efforts:
In January 2022, Mount Baldy took a significant step by forming two community FireSmart committees. The goal was to create a collaborative and organized approach toward enhancing the community's wildfire resiliency. Carlene Pires (RDKB's Emergency Program Coordinator) was appointed as the region's FireSmart Coordinator. Her role was crucial in facilitating FireSmart education and coordinating efforts with residents in the RDKB.

The community launched its first Wildfire Community Preparedness Day in May 2022 with one foot of snow on the ground. Over 65 people attended, including industry professionals who presented on the importance of FireSmart.

Assessment and Planning:

The Spring of 2023 marked a pivotal moment in Mount Baldy's FireSmart journey. RDKB's new wildfire mitigation specialist, Dan Stevens, undertook an ambitious task by completing 27 FireSmart Home Partners Program Assessments in just one month. These assessments provided homeowners with personalized recommendations to reduce wildfire risks on their properties. This detailed planning laid the groundwork for targeted mitigation efforts.
Community Clean-Up and Assessment Events:
On July 2 2023, Mount Baldy organized its second community clean-up event, reinforcing the community's commitment to creating a fire-resilient environment. This event not only served as an opportunity for residents to actively contribute but also facilitated the assessment of key structures within the community. The focus extended beyond individual homes, encompassing critical infrastructure like the resort structure, staff buildings, chair lift, and adjacent structures.
Summer Months Dedication:
Throughout the Summer of 2023, Mount Baldy residents demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their FireSmart goals. Individual property owners worked diligently on implementing recommended mitigation measures, ensuring a collective effort to enhance the overall wildfire resiliency of the community. This collaborative spirit not only strengthened the community bonds but also significantly reduced potential wildfire risks.
Partnership with RDKB:
The partnership with RDKB proved instrumental in accessing expert advice and resources. With Carlene Pires coordinating educational initiatives and engagement, and specialists like Dan Stevens conducting assessments, Mount Baldy benefited from a holistic approach to wildfire mitigation. Regular communication and collaboration fostered a sense of shared responsibility among community members.
Outcome and Future Plans:
Mount Baldy's FireSmart initiative has not only increased awareness but also translated into tangible actions that enhance the community's wildfire resilience. The thorough assessments, targeted mitigation efforts, and community engagement exemplify the commitment of Mount Baldy residents to safeguarding their homes and surroundings. Moving forward, the community aims to sustain these efforts, continuously adapting and evolving to meet emerging challenges.

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Mount Baldy's Resilience Journey | FireSmart BC

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Submitted by Vivienne Hurley Mount Baldy's success story stands as an inspiring example of community-driven wildfire resiliency following a 'near miss' wildfire experience. The 2021 Nk'Mip Creek wildfire served as a stark reminder for Mount Baldy and its residents that nothing focuses the mind toward FireSmarting more than a wildfire knocking at your doorstep.

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Created with funding from the Community Resiliency Investment Program, the Silverton Fire Hall Wildfire Resiliency Garden is an example of using landscaping best practices to reduce wildlife risks. It features fire-resistant plants and Xeriscaping practices to protect critical community infrastructure from wildfire. Additionally, the project serves as a location for community gatherings and an engaging, educational point-of-interest for visitors.

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Silverton Fire Hall Wildfire Resiliency Garden | FireSmart BC

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The Silverton Fire Hall Wildfire Resiliency Garden was delivered as a component of the Slocan Valley Wildfire Resiliency Program for the Villages of Slocan, Silverton, and New Denver, funded by the Community Resiliency Investment Program.

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Village of Lytton - Recovery from the 2021 fire

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Village of Lytton - Recovery from the 2021 fire

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This is a one-page list of recommendations related to landscaping and building to reduce the risk of fire spread and damage, building from the Village’s experience with a destructive wildfire in 2021.

More information about Village rebuilding programs and activities can be found on the municipality's website: Recovery Programs & Resources | Village of Lytton

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We are doing a lot to promote fire resilience!

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[BC FireSmart Story] Keremeos, BC FireSmart Demonstration Garden

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[BC FireSmart Story] Keremeos, BC FireSmart Demonstration Garden

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In 2020, the Village of Keremeos removed all flammable plants from the grounds of the municipal hall, replacing them with FireSmart plants such as rose glow barberry, butterfly weed, and blue mist spirea.

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Village of Keremeos - FireSmart in Keremeos

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Keremeos is a FireSmart Community! FireSmart is a program to support wildfire preparedness, prevention and mitigation in BC. The program provides excellent tools to help property owners prepare themselves, their pets and their properties for wildfire. FireSmart your property before the risk of wildfire. Did you know....

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Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative Resiliency Centre

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Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative Resiliency Centre

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The Resiliency Centre repurposes a community hall into a bookable events space for workshops and a place that is ready to go in case of an emergency. As described by the centre's webpage, "The resiliency centre will be open to the public when natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and prolonged power outages for more than a day render home residency impossible.  At other times the centre will act as a normal community hall with focus on activities that increase community connection such as : knowledge sharing, recreational activities and social gatherings."

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We imagine a future where ecosystems and communities are able to withstand rapidly changing conditions, and we are doing the work today to exponentially help our land base become increasingly resilient.

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Russell Myers Ross of Yunesit’in (one of six Tsilhqot'in Nation communities) co-designed a fire-resistant home that is built with high-quality materials and incorporates elements of traditional Yunesit'in pit homes, which are round and set in the ground. As the Narwhal explains, "the house includes a heat pump for cooling during heat waves, solar panels for energy efficiency, a membrane to prevent mold and high-efficiency air filtration (called HEPA) for smoke".

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How do you build a home that can survive B.C. wildfires? | The Narwhal

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In Tsilhqot’in territory, a former Yunesit’in chief and an architect designed a fire-resistant house built to last in B.C.’s hot Interior

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UBC Okanagan students designed a modular home for Honour Ranch, a retreat near Ashcroft for veterans and first responders. The project, EcoHaven, is a modular home that uses wildfire-resistant materials and net-zero energy systems. It will be constructed by Thomspon Rivers University trades students.

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TRU-UBCO team up for success with EcoHaven – TRU Newsroom

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shíshálh Nation, Sunshine Coast Highway, Sechelt, BC

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shíshálh Nation Longhouse FireSmart Cleanup

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shíshálh Nation Longhouse FireSmart Cleanup

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The tsain-ko Croporation, the business sector of the shíshálh Nation, hosted a FireSmart cleanup at the Nation Longhouse on May 3, 2026, with plans for community events and proactive stewardship to continue growing and evolving.

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Jordan Copp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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tsain-ko launches ‘Serve Your swiya’ community initiative

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Kicks off with a FireSmart cleanup event at shíshálh Nation Longhouse

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W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton, BC

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W̱SÁNEĆ youth completed a wildland fire training course that includes a return to cultural or prescribed burns, which can defuse the severity and frequency of wildfires.

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Bridge River Indian Band (Xwísten), Joseph Rd, Lillooet, BC

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In spring of 2024, the Xwísten Cultural Burn took place through the work of Xwísten, T'it'q'et and the BC Wildfire Service crews. The project involved the burning of three plots totalling 150-hectare project. The cultural burn contributes to community wildfire protection by reducing the growth of thick fuels, which increases the risk of severe, extensive fires. Fire stewardship also supports cultural revitalization and resilience/pride.

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The Lil'wat Nation implemented a cultural burn, the controlled application of fire, (usually low intensity), in 2022 to introduce fire back to the landscape. The burn was implemented in hopes of revitalizing berry populations and improving habitat for grizzly bears. One area was left unburnt to compare soil conditions between burnt and unburnt areas. The project was also an opportunity to train young firefighters.

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Owl Creek Cultural Burn - Cultural Burning & Prescribed Fire

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Filmed in July 2022, the Owl Creek Cultural Burn was implemented by Lil’wat Nation with support from BC Wildfire Service in Mount Currie on Lil’wat Nation Traditional Territory just outside of Pemberton, BC.

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Salt Spring Island, Capital Regional District, BC

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Salt Spring Island, Capital Regional District, BC

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Salt Spring Island, Capital Regional District, BC

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A strata here is getting everyone involved in FireSmart work annually, and is planting more native plants. They are also planning for fire & climate-resilient shared spaces.