Make your property FireSmart

What can Whistler residents do to reduce the impact of wildfires?

Schedule a FREE FireSmart home assessment

Contact FireSmart Supervisor:
firesmart@whistler.ca

Schedule the FireSmart Community Chipper Service

Chipper service will re-start in the Spring 2021. Follow these steps to take advantage of the chipper service:

• Step 1: Email firesmart@whistler.ca to get a FireSmart assessment.
• This ensures crucial FireSmart information is shared, including structural and landscape considerations, and allows the RMOW to better plan work days based on the estimated material volume to be chipped. Please note you can receive a chipper service without an assessment, but it is recommended.
• Step 2: Homeowners clean up their property and pile natural woody debris with no gravel or loose leaves. 
• Step 3: Contact firesmart@whistler.ca to arrange for the FireSmart crew to chip and remove the piles of material at a later date. 
  Home owners do not need to be home to receive the chipping service and they can continue to receive the service as required.

Please note that the chipper does not process loose debris (raked ground cover, ie leaves and needles, “garden debris”). If it can be raked it should be taken to the Function Transfer station yard waste bin.

FireSmart home tips

Tip 1
The most important step you can take to reduce the combustibility of your home is to ensure your roof is made of non-combustible material. This includes metal, tile, and stone.

Tip 2
Remove tree debris, brush and yard waste from around your home or strata property. Aside from having a non-combusitble roof, this is the next most  important step to protect your home and property. Yard waste burning is not allowed however, there is free yard waste drop-off from April to November at Whistler's Waste Depots. 

Tip 3
Read the FireSmart Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction Report on why some houses survived the Fort McMurray fire – An overwhelming majority of homes that had a Low or Moderate FireSmart hazard rating survived, while those that were rated High or Extreme did not. 

• Whistler FireSmart brochure – General FireSmart recommendations for Whistler 
• FireSmart Homeowner's Manual – Detailed FireSmart recommendations for homes and yards; a self-assessment tool; evacuation tips

Construction 

• FireSmart home development guide – FireSmart construction and renovation recommendations, including roof materials and design; siding, vents and openings; gutters and eaves; decks and porches; fencing and landscaping
• FireSmart combustible siding fact sheet – general recommendations about materials for building siding

Landscaping

• FireSmart landscaping guidelines – recommendations about highly flammable plants to avoid, xeriscaping, and fire-resistant plant

Neighbourhoods

• FireSmart priority zones – an infographic outlining FireSmart priority zones; work with your neighbours to protect your property and neighbourhood

Tree Cutting Permits

In some cases, a Development Permit or Tree Cutting Permit is required before completing work that changes landscaping or removes vegetation or trees.

If your property is in a Development Permit Area, a Development Permit  is required before beginning any development that includes alteration of land, including landscaping or removal of vegetation or trees.

A Tree Cutting Permit must be obtained prior to cutting, topping or limbing any tree that is: