Yellowknife — August 3, 2022
The “FireSmart Starts in Your Backyard” contest is back across the territory.
The contest is meant to encourage residents to practice FireSmart principles that will help reduce their risk of experiencing wildfire damage.
FireSmart principles are proven to work – taking simple, often inexpensive, steps can help protect homes and cabins from wildfires – even if a fire reaches the property.
All NWT residents and cabin owners are eligible to participate.
Here’s how it works:
- Learn about FireSmart practices you can apply at your home, cabin, or business
- Check out the online guide
- Download the FireSmart Begins at Home app (Apple, Google Play)
- Check out the full manual and assessment guide
- Choose FireSmart actions to reduce your risk within the Home Ignition Zone. Whether it’s removing dry leaves and pine needles around your home’s foundation, roof, gutter, or deck; moving wood piles at least 10 metres from your home or cabin; or keeping your lawn mowed and watered; we want to see what you’ve done this fire season.
- Tell us about it! Fill out the entry form and email before and after photos showing what you did to protect your home or cabin, and you’ll be entered into the draw.
Three winners will be selected from participants across the NWT. Each will receive a wildfire protection kit valued at $2,300 including one water pump, a hose, and sprinklers for their home.
For entry forms, prize information, and full contest details, including plenty of FireSmart ideas, visit: www.enr.gov.nt.ca/backyard-contest.
Contest closes September 5, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced on September 9, 2022.
Quote(s)
“Wildfires pose a threat to communities and infrastructure, including homes and cabins, every fire season. Reducing the risk of damage caused by wildfires is the responsibility of all residents and getting FireSmart is a great way to help reduce that risk. I encourage everyone across the NWT to take some of these important and proven steps to protect their property.”
- Shane Thompson, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources
Quick facts
- To enter or to ask any questions, email FireSmart_Intellifeu@gov.nt.ca.
- FireSmart is a national program based on tried-and-tested ways to reduce the risk of damage to structures when wildfire encroaches.
- FireSmart isn’t just about the fire season – it’s a year-long activity that anyone can do to protect their property from wildfire.
- FireSmart Starts in Your Backyard ran in 2021 in a contest targeting the Ingraham Trail.
Related links
- Contest details - FireSmart Starts in Your Backyard
- Prepare for wildfire with FireSmart NWT
- Get the FireSmart Begins at Home app:
For media requests, please contact:
Mike Westwick
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories