How We Help: FireSmart Initiatives

A FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program Assessment provides residents with:

• An in-depth, on-site assessment conducted by experienced fire professionals.
• An opportunity for property owners to identify mitigation actions unique to their property.
• A detailed follow-up report with customized mitigation actions designed to measurably reduce the wildfire risk to your property.
• An opportunity to earn FireSmart acknowledgement for your mitigation achievements through a certificate. The certificate is given upon successful completion of required mitigation actions and an on-site follow-up inspection.
• A mitigation certification that can be shared with participating insurance providers to showcase mitigation activities and may be eligible for insurance incentives or discounts. Please note: FireSmart does not share the assessment or any details of the assessment with the insurance industry.
• FireSmart Home signage for their property (upon successful completion of required mitigation actions and an on-site follow-up inspection).

Book your free home assessment

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

• Get the list of eligible activities here!

Application Package

• Download & complete the Rebate Program Application Package
• Email your completed package and all supporting documents to firesmart@penticton.ca 

Is your neighbourhood FireSmart?

Across Penticton, more communities are coming together to reduce wildfire risk and earn official recognition through the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP). This national program recognizes neighbourhoods that take meaningful, community-driven steps to increase their wildfire resilience. 

What the Program Does

The FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program supports neighbourhoods, subdivisions, and small communities in becoming more resilient to wildfire. FireSmart is most effective when residents work together, and this program helps
coordinate that effort. Recognized neighbourhoods receive:

• An on-site community plaque
• Support and guidance from a local FireSmart representative
• A yearly FireSmart event led with assistance from the Penticton Fire Department
• Peace of mind for residents and visitors

How to Become a Recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood

To achieve FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition, communities must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete a Wildfire Hazard Assessment with a local FireSmart representative.
2. Create a local FireSmart plan outlining practical, agreed-upon actions residents can implement. 
3. Establish a neighbourhood committee to maintain the plan and track progress.
4. Host an annual FireSmart event, such as a clean-up day or fuel-reduction project. 
5. Invest at least $2 per resident per year in local FireSmart activities.
6. Submit an annual report to FireSmart Canada to demonstrate continued participation. 

Get Started

If your neighbourhood is interested in becoming more wildfire-resilient, contact the Penticton Fire Department. Our FireSmart Coordinator will connect you with a representative that can:

• Visit your neighbourhood
• Conduct a neighbourhood-level assessment
• Identify potential wildfire hazards
• Help outline next steps

For more information, you can also check out the program here.

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

1. Download and complete the Neighbourhood Debris Bin Application Form 
2. Submit the completed application form to firesmart@penticton.ca 
3. Once approved, the city will arrange for delivery of a green waste bin to your requested location
4. Your neighbourhood fills the bin with eligible green waste
5. 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. 

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  

Penticton FireSmart 
Phone: 250-490-2319
Email: firesmart@penticton.ca 
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