The Mackenzie FireSmart Program is a community initiative aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires and enhancing safety for residents in the District of Mackenzie. As part of the national FireSmart initiative, this program educates property owners and communities on how wildfires can threaten structures and property in forested and wildland areas. The Mackenzie FireSmart Program includes key components, such as:

• Vegetation Management: Clearing plants and other vegetation within 10 meters of structures, ensuring no trees or vegetation overhang roofs, and planting deciduous species like birch and aspen.
• Home Assessments: Offering free FireSmart Home Assessments to identify wildfire hazards around properties.
• Community Engagement: Hosting workshops, emergency planning, and events to promote FireSmart practices.

The BC Wildfire Mitigation Program, formally known as the FireSmart Home Partners Program, is designed to help residents reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and communities. The BC Wildfire Mitigation Program offers:

1. Professional Home Assessments: on-site assessments are conducted by experienced fire professionals. These assessments identify specific wildfire risks on your property and provide customized recommendations for mitigation actions.
2. Mitigation Actions: Based on the assessment, property owners receive a detailed report with property-specific mitigation actions designed to reduce wildfire risk. These actions can include clearing vegetation, installing fire-resistant roofing, and other measures to increase the resiliency of the property.
3. Certification and Recognition: Upon successful completion of the recommended mitigation actions and a follow-up inspection, property owners receive a FireSmart certificate. This certificate can be shared with participating insurance providers, potentially leading to incentives or discounts on insurance premiums.
4. Insurance Partnerships: The program collaborates with insurance companies to provide financial incentives for homeowners who take steps to make their properties more wildfire-resistant.
5. Community Engagement: The program aims to engage and motivate communities to become more FireSmart by providing resources and support for wildfire mitigation activities.
6. FireSmart Education: The program also includes educational resources for residents, firefighters, and local governments to promote wildfire resilience and preparedness.

As part of the Community Resiliency Investment Program, homeowners could be compensated up to $1,000 for performing FireSmart activities on their properties. To qualify for this funding, homes must be assessed by a District of Mackenzie Wildfire Mitigation Specialist through the FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program. The rebate application intake is open from May 1st through October 31st, 2025.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A REBATE

Step 1 - Get a free FireSmart home assessment from a District of Mackenzie Wildfire Mitigation Specialist by filling out the online application at District of Mackenzie FireSmart emailing firesmart@districtofmackenzie.ca or calling 250-997-4221.

Step 2—Work with your Wildfire Mitigation Specialist to complete a rebate work plan. This is where you can plan out your FireSmart mitigation actions and receive feedback on how to best prioritize your efforts.

Step 3 - Act on the recommendations from your FireSmart home assessment. This can be accomplished by yourself or by using a contractor. Use the table on the FireSmart Rebate Work Hours Form to keep track of both your hours as well as any money spent on contractors or materials.

Step 4 - Submit your complete rebate application package. Please note that rebate applications will require a follow-up visit from your Wildfire Mitigation Specialist.