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.
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.
Several Whitehorse neighbourhood associations have been successful in applying for this funding in years past. Applications, however, are not limited to neighbourhood associations.
Successful applicants can use the money towards awareness events and community cleanups.
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 [email protected] 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’ll not only receive $1000 for your efforts, but you’ll also demonstrate your commitment to wildfire risk reduction. 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 [email protected] to learn more.
FireSmart Home Assessment bookings are now closed for the 2024 season. Stay tuned—our appointments will open again next spring!
This fall, the City is undertaking FireSmart initiatives on public lands to reduce wildfire risks.
The proximity of dense conifer forests to residences increases the likelihood of wildfire spreading from vegetation to homes. The most effective way to prevent this is by reducing available wildfire fuel within 30 metres of residences. Beginning mid-September, the City will be taking the following steps to mitigate wildfire risks:
- Removing dead and downed wood
- Removing immature conifer saplings
- Pruning pine and spruce trees
- Clearing debris and refuse piles
While work is being completed, residents may notice equipment noise, and some nearby trails may be temporarily closed. There will be signs.
Public FireSmart initiatives may take place in the following areas:
- Copper Ridge – green space abutting Hamilton Boulevard on the west side
- Porter Creek – greenspaces, walkways, parks and public utility lanes
- Riverdale – greenspaces, walkways, parks and public utility lanes
- Granger – greenspaces
View a detailed map of areas that public FireSmarting work is planned, with yellow highlights indicating the specific locations.
Questions? Reach our FireSmart Coordinator at (867) 687-4512 or at [email protected].
- 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)
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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.
- 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.
