What is FireSmart?
FireSmart is a national wildfire mitigation program that helps homeowners and communities reduce the risk of wildfire damage. Wildfires can threaten homes through:
- Embers
- Radiant heat
- Direct flame contact
Research has shown that embers are responsible for the majority of homes lost during wildfire events. These embers can travel kilometres ahead of a wildfire and ignite combustible materials near a structure.
By making simple changes around your property and community, you can significantly improve your home's chances of surviving a wildfire.
Benefits of FireSmart
- Reduce wildfire risk
- Improve home resilience
- Protect family and property
- Access rebates and funding programs
- Qualify for FireSmart certification
- Potential insurance discounts
- Help create safer neighbourhoods
The Home Ignition Zone is the area surrounding your home that influences how vulnerable it is to wildfire.
Immediate Zone (0-1.5 m)
This zone has the greatest impact on home survival.
Focus on:
- Non-combustible landscaping
- Removing combustible materials against the home
- Keeping decks and patios clear
- Maintaining roofs and gutters
Intermediate Zone (1.5-10 m)
The goal is to reduce the intensity of wildfire near structures.
Focus on:
- Removing highly flammable vegetation
- Increasing spacing between trees and shrubs
- Maintaining healthy, irrigated landscaping
- Limiting coniferous shrubs near structures
Extended Zone (10-30 m)
The goal is to reduce fire spread and intensity before it reaches your home.
Focus on:
- Thinning dense vegetation
- Removing deadfall
- Reducing ladder fuels
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- Non-combustible landscaping
Step 1: Request a Free Wildfire Mitigation Assessment
Step 2: Receive a personalized wildfire risk report
Step 3: Complete recommended FireSmart actions
Step 4: Apply for available rebates
Step 5: Become FireSmart certified
Step 6: Access potential insurance benefits
FireSmart Programs and Services
A Wildfire Mitigation Specialist will visit your property to assess wildfire hazards and provide customized recommendations. During an assessment, we will:
- Evaluate wildfire risks around your property
- Review the Home Ignition Zones
- Identify vulnerabilities to embers and radiant heat
- Provide a personalized report
- Discuss mitigation opportunities
The assessment is free and takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes.
The Local FireSmart Collective Program helps neighbourhoods, stratas, and communities work together to reduce wildfire risk. It is suitable for stratas, townhouse complexes, manufactured home parks, neighourhoods, and rural communities.
Benefits
- Community recognition
- Shared mitigation goals
- Improved neighbourhood resilience
- Ongoing wildfire preparedness
How It Works
- A Local FireSmart Representative (LFR) and Collective Advocate (formerly Neighbourhood Champion) work together to create a profile. Contact firesmart@penticton.ca to connect with your LFR.
- Complete a Local FireSmart Collective Assessment (previously known as the Wildfire Hazard Assessment).
- Work together on a Collective Action Plan (formerly known as a Neighbourhood Plan), the community’s personalized roadmap for reducing wildfire risk.
- Work toward the goals outlined in the action plan, track progress, and renew participation each year.
The FireSmart Rebate Program provides up to $1,000 in funding to City of Penticton homeowners who complete eligible FireSmart improvements on their property. The program is designed to support residents who are taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk and increase community resilience.
Note: Program details may change based on funding availability.
Program Guidelines
Applicants must first receive a free Wildfire Mitigation Program assessment from a qualified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. Your assessment report will outline the specific, eligible recommendations for your property.
FireSmart work should begin closest to the home and move outward:
Immediate zone (0-1.5 m)
Intermediate zone (1.5-10 m)
Extended zone (10-30 m)
Work in the Immediate and Intermediate zones must be completed first
After completing eligible activities, homeowners must book a follow-up assessment to verify the work.
Rebates cover 50% of total eligible costs, up to $1,000 per property. Costs may include:
Labour (valued at $32/hour)
Contractor fees
Materials
Disposal or dump fees
All claimed expenses must relate directly to the recommendations in your FireSmart assessment
Rebates are limited and issued on a first-come, first-serve basis at the direction of the Penticton Fire Department.
Strata organizations are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Eligible Activities
Application Package
- Download and fill out the rebate application:
- Email your completed package and all supporting documents to firesmart@penticton.ca
The Neighbourhood Debris Bin Program provides residents with a free green waste bin to support local FireSmart clean-up efforts. These bins make it easier for neighbourhoods, stratas and community groups to work together to remove flammable natural materials such as branches, pine needles, leaves, and other woody debris. Reducing excess vegetation helps lower wildfire fuel loads and increases neighbourhood resilience.
What Can Go in the Bin
Green waste only, including
- Tree branches and prunings
- Pine needles and cones
- Leaves and yard debris
- Shrub and hedge trimmings
- Other untreated woody vegetation
Household garbage, treated lumber, soil, construction waste, and plastic are not accepted.
How It Works
- Download and complete the Neighbourhood Debris Bin Application Form
- Submit the completed application form to firesmart@penticton.ca
- Once approved, the city will arrange for delivery of a green waste bin to your requested location
- Your neighbourhood fills the bin with eligible green waste
- The bin is picked up when the clean-up is complete
Who Can Apply
- Neighbourhood groups
- Stratas
- Community associations
- Informal block-level groups working on FireSmart activities
Request a Bin
Download, complete, and submit your application to firesmart@penticton.ca
We are developing a dedicated support service for seniors (65+) and vulnerable residents who may need assistance completing FireSmart tasks. This service will help ensure all community members have the opportunity to reduce wildfire risk around their homes.
Free Services & Information
Properties may be eligible for FireSmart Certification when:
- All recommendations have been completed;
or - No recommendations are required following assessment
Benefits:
- Recognition of your FireSmart efforts
- Reduced wildfire risk
- Demonstrated property resilience
- Potential insurance discounts
- All recommendations have been completed;
Did you know?
Some insurance providers are beginning to recognize and reward FireSmart actions.
Benefits may include:
- Discounts after completing a Wildfire Mitigation Program assessment
- Additional discounts for FireSmart Certified properties
Residents should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm eligibility and available incentives.
The Penticton FireSmart team is available to provide presentations for neighbourhoods, community groups, stratas and organizations. These sessions can include:
- Home ignition zone education
- Wildfire risk reduction strategies
- How to organize neighbourhood FireSmart activities
- Program and rebate information
To request a presentation, contact firesmart@penticton.ca
Contact the Penticton FireSmart Team
(250) 490-2319