Canadians can now apply for funding to support their local Wildfire Community Preparedness Day activities, and join municipalities from coast to coast in a national effort to reduce wildfire risk to local homes and environments.
Successful applicants can use funding from May 5, 2019 through October to host Wildfire Community Preparedness Day events that raise awareness of wildfire risk, help protect homes, and encourage neighbourhoods to improve wildfire resiliency through “FireSmart” activities including proper maintenance and clearing of dead or combustible vegetation, wildfire-resilient landscaping, and using fire-resistant roofing materials.
This annual, national program was launched by FireSmart Canada in collaboration with
The Co-operators, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. In 2018, a total of $47,000 was awarded to 94 successful community applicants across Canada.
“The Wildfire Community Preparedness Day campaign is a very exciting time of year for FireSmart Canada,” says Laura Stewart, president of FireSmart Canada. “We are eager to see applications come in from communities who are taking action to reduce the risk of wildfire affecting their community.”
Since 2014, The Co-operators has partnered with the NFPA and FireSmart Canada to drive wildfire resiliency efforts and advocacy to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of wildfires across Canada.
“As wildfire seasons become longer and more severe, it is important that Canadians are aware of the risk and actions they can take to help mitigate that risk,” says Maya Milardovic, director of Government Relations at The Co-operators. “Through this funding, we are helping communities to come together across the country to take proactive steps to make their communities safer and more resilient.”
To learn more about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and to submit an application for funding, visit: firesmartcanada.ca/wildfire-community-preparedness-day-2019/
