In a place surrounded by breathtaking forests and rugged mountains, wildfire preparedness is more than just a precaution鈥攊t鈥檚 a community effort.
With climate change bringing longer, drier seasons, Squamish residents are coming together to protect their homes and neighbourhoods through the FireSmart program.
鈥淚t鈥檚 everyone鈥檚 responsibility,鈥� says Emily Wood, FireSmart co-ordinator for the District of Squamish.
鈥淲hen we work together, we鈥檙e not just reducing risks鈥攚e鈥檙e building stronger connections as a community.鈥�
Wood began her FireSmart journey in 2020 and has been working in Squamish for a year.
鈥淔ireSmart is a national initiative governed by FireSmart 小蓝视频, and each community tailors its program locally,鈥� she told The 小蓝视频.
The threat of wildfires in Squamish
Squamish faces heightened wildfire vulnerability due to a combination of topography, weather, and fuel accumulation.
鈥淚f you're at the top of an uphill slope or near heavy fuel loads, your area is more susceptible,鈥� Wood said.
According to Wood, with warmer temperatures and drought conditions becoming more frequent, managing fuel loads has become a top priority for the district.
Wood's assessments focus on preparing properties for wildfires, from recommending fire-resistant roofing materials to relocating combustible materials away from homes. 鈥淭hese assessments are free, and some insurance companies even offer rebates for completing them,鈥� she added.
Bridging gaps in wildfire preparedness
When asked about gaps in Squamish鈥檚 wildfire strategy, Wood emphasized the need for community participation.
鈥淭he gap is that we all need to buy into this program and work together鈥攐n our own properties, with our neighbours, and as a community,鈥� she said. 鈥淏uilding resiliency is not just about physical preparation; it鈥檚 also about emotional and mental readiness.鈥�
Wood acknowledged that Squamish鈥檚 FireSmart program is still in its relatively early stages compared with some neighbouring communities.
The District is working towards making Squamish a recognized FireSmart Community.
鈥淟ogan Lake has been FireSmarting for 20 years, and when a wildfire came through, they only lost three sheds,鈥� Wood said.
Addressing tourism and development
Squamish鈥檚 growing tourism and development also impact wildfire risks.
鈥淓ducation is crucial, especially for visitors who might not understand the dangers of campfires,鈥� Wood noted. 鈥淥ne of last summer鈥檚 wildfires was caused by a campfire that wasn鈥檛 properly extinguished.鈥�
She also highlighted recent incidents of rubbish bin fires caused by improperly discarded hot coals.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a reminder that even small mistakes can lead to big problems. Awareness and responsibility are key,鈥� she said.
Lessons from the California wildfire
Reflecting on lessons from the current and recent wildfires in California and beyond, Wood stressed preparation.
鈥淜now your community鈥檚 evacuation plan, have a go-bag ready, and consider installing WASP sprinkler systems,鈥� she said of the
鈥淔ireSmart is the best way to protect your home, and small steps like clearing debris or removing flammable vegetation can make a huge difference.鈥�
Wood also pointed to bylaws prohibiting highly flammable plants like cedar and juniper near structures.
鈥淭hese regulations are critical, but enforcement can be challenging,鈥� she acknowledged.
Community support initiatives
The FireSmart program aims to make the program easily accessible to locals, according to Wood.
鈥淲e've hosted free chipping days in neighbourhoods like Garibaldi Highlands, Hospital Hill, and Brackendale, providing residents with the means to dispose of yard waste safely," Wood said.
Additionally, the program offers FireSmart assistance to residents who cannot manage their yard work independently.
Efforts to enhance structural fire defence include cross-training municipal firefighters in collaboration with the 小蓝视频 Wildfire Service and the Squamish Fire Rescue team.
鈥淲e're building a Structural Protection Unit for Squamish, which is essentially a trailer equipped with pumps, tools, and sprinkler systems to safeguard structures during wildfires," Wood told The 小蓝视频.
Long-term planning
Looking ahead, the district is developing a comprehensive Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
This document will outline strategies to protect critical infrastructure, mitigate fuel in green spaces, and guide neighbourhood-specific preparedness efforts.
鈥淥ur goal is to ensure that everyone, from seniors to low-income residents, has access to the resources they need to protect their homes and communities,鈥� Wood said.
鈥�90% of homes survive wildfires if they have a Class A roof and a 10-meter mitigated area around the structure.鈥�
A Class A FireSmart roof has recommended roofing material, such as asphalt-composition shingles, metal, or slate, clay, and concrete tiles.
鈥淪mall changes really can make a huge difference,鈥� Wood said.
Residents can book free home assessments and access resources through the
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The 小蓝视频's Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the.
