Photo by Mike Gall In 2019 Wasa first earned the designation of FireSmart Community, awarded by FireSmart Canada, and we earned the award again in 2020. Our FireSmart Board is committed to fulfilling the annual criteria required to remain a Canadian FireSmart Community. In order to qualify for continuing status, we have chosen these 3 goals from our Community Wildfire Hazard Assessment Report: 1. Host a FireSmart event at least once a year 2. Work with other community groups to promote FireSmart 3. Encourage homeowners to have basic fire fighting equipment on hand to protect their property in case of fire
Citizen involvement is the cornerstone of the FireSmart Canada Community Recognition Program (FireSmart Communities Program). If you live in a region susceptible to wildfires, you and your neighbours will learn how to decrease the risk of losing your homes and how to best protect yourselves in the event of a wildfire. FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods allow firefighters to concentrate on fighting the wildfire – which ultimately saves more homes and lives. Communities whose residents take steps to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of surviving a wildfire without the intervention of the fire department.The Program draws on a community’s spirit and its willingness to take responsibility for reducing wildfire risks.
The Program utilizes the following template:
A Local FireSmart Representative from a provincial, territorial, or local agency will provide wildfire hazard reduction information designed for your community.
With the assistance of the Local FireSmart Representative, you and your neighbours form a cooperating network to assess the wildfire hazards around you.
You and your neighbours identify and implement local solutions.