The impacts of climate change and interface wildfires in Canada – the area where communities and homes meet wildland vegetation– have been devastating. Wildfires and the consequences have proved to disrupt the fabric of our communities, economy and environment.
To help mitigate these impacts, and support the municipality in building its climate resilience, Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is excited to bring the FireSmart Canada program to the region, including voluntary, free property wildfire risk assessment using the FireSmart standard.
The FireSmart program helps protect residents, their homes, neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure and vital natural resources from wildfire. This is achieved through seven disciplines that help neighbourhoods address the threat of wildfire: vegetation management, emergency planning, education, legislation, development, interagency cooperation and cross-training.
This is a shared responsibility involving all levels of government and participation from private sectors and neighbours. Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is excited to partner with residents and communities in reducing interface fire risk on their properties through FireSmart.
FireSmart Property Assessment
A FireSmart property assessments helps residents identify issues and offers recommendations to reduce risk of fire and wildland interface fire on their properties. Assessments are voluntary and free.
Book a FireSmart assessment today
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency offers free FireSmart property assessments for homes and properties. Be FireSmart – book your assessment today by using the form link below or call 3-1-1.
Being FireSmart starts today
Here are some tips to get you started on being FireSmart. You can also access FireSmart Canada’s self-assessment guide from their website.
- Keep under your deck and your shed clean
Create a 1.5 metre non-combustible zone around your house and deck by removing combustible material from under your deck.
Keep your sheds and other storage facilities clean and tidy.
- Clear leaves and debris from gutters, chimneys, roofs and decks
Clean and maintain your gutters, chimneys and roofs by removing leaves and debris. Keep your decks or balconies free of leaves or other debris.
- Keep grass and weeds cut
A mowed lawn is a fire-resistant lawn. Keep grass and weeds cut below 10 centimetres.
- Prune trees and use more fire-resistant landscaping
Within 30 metres of your home, prune branches off trees up to a height of two metres to help create a natural firebreak.
Within 10 metres of your home, plant fire resistant plants and shrubs and use crushed stone or gravel mulch instead of pine needle or bark mulch to significantly reduce risk of fire.
- Keep firewood and other combustible at least 10 metres away from your home
Move firewood piles and keep storage areas for combustible materials at least 10 metres from your home. This can include recreational vehicles and trailers.
- Know how to exit your community in the event of a wildfire
Have an evacuation plan and know how to exit your community in the event of a wildfire.
For more details and additional tips visit the FireSmart Canada website.
FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program
Community involvement is the cornerstone of the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program. Through this program, residents who live near areas susceptible to wildfires will learn how to decrease risk and create a defensible space against advancing fires, ultimately saving homes and lives.