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.
The City of Whitehorse is offering 1-hour FireSmart Home Assessment appointments to residents with homes in city limits. We’ll visit your property, provide FireSmart recommendations and answer your questions. Book your spot here!
Appointments are available on weekdays up to three weeks in advance. If you don’t see any appointments available, please check back as new slots open up each day.
For neighbourhood FireSmart work, your local community association or non-profit may be eligible for funding. Contact Government of Yukon Wildland Fire at [email protected] for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I can’t book an appointment, what am I doing wrong?
A: Probably nothing – the appointments have been very busy, so sometimes you will not find an opening. Try moving up to 21 days into the future in the calendar, that will show you every available appointment. If it still isn’t working, please email [email protected] and we will help you set up an appointment!
Q: Do I have to be there for the FireSmart Home Assessment appointment?
A: Yes. In order to deliver the best service and advice we can, having you accompany our team is essential to answer your questions and receive on-the-spot advice.
Q: Can I book a weekend appointment? What about an evening appointment?
A: Currently our bookings are only available Monday to Friday during the day. If that doesn’t work for you, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accomodate your needs.
Q: I’m worried that if you find problems at my home, my home insurance premium could go up.
A: This service is purely informational. No data is passed on to insurers. What you choose to do (or not do) with the advice provided by our team is entirely up to you.
Q: What if it is expensive to fix the problems identified in the assessment? Are there rebates available?
A: Every home we have assessed so far has recieved reccomendations that cost either very little or nothing to implement. While some FireSmart changes can be expensive, many are not.
- 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.
