The Resort Municipality of Whistler is offering three free FireSmart programs in 2022 to educate residents and provide tools to reduce the risk of wildfire within neighbourhoods and on private property, thanks to funding from the Province’s Community Resiliency Investment fund.

“We are grateful for the funding the municipality receives from the Community Resiliency Investment fund for FireSmart programming. Reducing our risk of wildfire and enhancing community safety is a top priority,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “I strongly recommend all residents and property owners take advantage of the suite of FireSmart programs which will not only benefit individual property owners but our community as a whole.”

FireSmart Home Assessments

The free property assessment program helps residents identify specific actions they can take on their property to reduce wildfire risks. A FireSmart Home Partners Assessor will visit your property to complete a comprehensive assessment of your home and property. The assessment will take between one and three hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of your property.

Following the assessment, a report will be generated consisting of all of the recommended mitigation work and including a FireSmart work plan for the home and property. To book a free FireSmart home assessment, contact the RMOW FireSmart Supervisor at firesmart@whistler.ca

FireSmart Work Day Program

Led by local FireSmart experts, the free FireSmart Work Day program provides important tips and FireSmart practices that will minimize wildfire risk around your property, while putting those skills into practice. The first FireSmart work day will commence on May 7, 2022. To book a work day in the 2022 season, coordinate a group of neighbours and contact firesmart@whistler.ca.

FireSmart Community Chipper Service

The free FireSmart Community Chipper Service will begin after April 20, 2022 and is available upon request by emailing firesmart@whistler.ca. FireSmart crews will come to any Whistler residence to chip and remove natural wood debris. Please note that garden debris, gravel or loose leaves are not accepted as part of this service, but can be taken to the Waste Transfer Station in Function Junction.

Residents are strongly encouraged to book a FireSmart Home Assessment prior to booking the FireSmart Community Chipper Service as it will help inform FireSmart landscaping works and allow crews to better estimate for the amount of material received.

The RMOW reminds the community that the most important steps to reducing the combustibility of your home and property are:

1. ensuring roofs are made of non-combustible material such as metal, tile or stone

2. removing tree debris and brush from around the home or strata property

The FireSmart Home Development Guide and other FireSmart resources are available at whistler.ca/FireSmart.

For more information on FireSmart Programs or to book a service, contact the FireSmart team at firesmart@whistler.ca.