FireSmart
In the Wilderness City, we’re surrounded by incredible nature – beautiful landscapes, the boreal forest, and the strong Yukon river. Wherever our community meets the forest, the risk of wildfire spreading to homes increases. However, by taking steps to FireSmart your property, you can increase your home’s resilience to wildfire. FireSmart is a practical, effective, and science-based set of tools to help you prepare your home for a wildfire – and, it’s surprisingly easy!
To get started, explore the links below.
FireSmart Home Assessment bookings are now closed for the 2024 season. Stay tuned—our appointments will open again next spring!
- FireSmart Begins at Home with Self-Assessment (PDF checklist)
- FireSmart 101 45-60 minute training
- FireSmart BC landscaping hub (list of plants for different growing conditions including Whitehorse)
Every year FireSmart Canada and the Yukon Government fund wildfire preparedness days for Yukon communities. In 2025 the following Whitehorse communities received funding for FireSmart events:
- Cowley Creek
- River Ridge
- Copper Ridge
- Mountainview Golf Course
- Mary Lake
- Wolf Creek
- Whistlebend
- Northland Trailer Park
- Hillcrest (part of Neighbourhood Recognition Program)
Follow us on social media for the latest news on these exciting community events or email firesmart@whitehorse.ca if you’d like to get involved.
Do you have a FireSmart idea that would benefit Whitehorse?
In preparation for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 3, FireSmart Canada is offering $500 grants for initiatives that enhance community wildfire preparedness.
Applications open on Friday, November 1 and details are available at firesmartcanada.ca.
Any Whitehorse groups preparing an application are encouraged to contact city staff at firesmart@whitehorse.ca for assistance in preparing their application.
Join the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (NRP) and help make your community safer from wildfires. By participating, you could receive up to $1000 for your efforts, but more importantly you’ll also receive help in assessing your wildfire hazard and planning risk reduction activities. Whether you’re working on fire-resilient landscaping, home hardening, or community preparedness, City of Whitehorse specialists will guide and support you every step of the way. Contact firesmart@whitehorse.ca to learn more.
We are safer when our communities work together to reduce risk.
1. FireSmart Starts at Home
Embers cause the majority of home ignitions in wildfires. That’s why it is important to ensure the area around your home is free from combustible materials. Clearing the first 1.5 meters around your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce your home’s ignition risk. Book a free FireSmart Home Assessment at Whitehorse.ca/Firesmart to learn how you can take action to protect your home. Following FireSmart reccomendations will drastically improve your home’s resilience in a wildfire.
2. Become a Champion
Creating a FireSmart home is an ongoing process. Inspire your neighbours to join you! Talk to them, share resources, and work together to reduce the cost of mitigations. Encourage them to download the FireSmart Begins at Home app to do a self-assessment, or book a FireSmart Home Assessment with us.
3. Fuelwood Process
Many greenspaces in city limits have downed wood. Residents may be permitted to remove this wood and use it for fuel. This reduces the amount of fuel present in the event of a wildfire. Learn more on the City’s website here.
4. Get FireSmart Funding
FireSmart Canada’s Neighbourhood Recognition Program can help you unlock funding to conduct FireSmart work. Follow the steps on their website, or email firesmart@whitehorse.ca for more info.
5. Work with your Community Association
If you have a community association or other non-profit, you can propose FireSmart projects on public land. Start by reviewing the information here, or email firesmart@yukon.ca.
6. Learn More
The Wildfire Awareness Society is a local nonprofit that promotes FireSmart in Whitehorse. Sign up for their newsletter by clicking “Join Us” on their website. To learn more, find out about their events, or volunteer, visit wildfireawareness.org.
- City of Whitehorse Emergency Resources
- Prepared BC: Household Preparedness Guide (PDF)
- Government of Canada Get Prepared
- Know what to do: Get help if phones do not work during an emergency
Download the FireSmart Begins at Home App from Firesmart Canada through the App Store and Google Play.
Find out about today’s wildfire situation on the Government of Yukon’s Wildfire Hub.