Wildfire Community Preparation Day is coming up on May 4, and residents across the Northwest Territories (NWT) are stepping up to FireSmart their neighbourhoods and communities.

A record 13 Wildfire Community Preparation Day projects in the NWT have been chosen for funding by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), the highest number of successful applications since the program began in 2015.

Projects funded this year range from information sessions to equipment rentals for completing neighbourhood FireSmart activities and community FireSmart events. Grant recipients include community governments, non-governmental organizations and groups of neighbours including cabin owners banding together to make a difference.

This annual grant program provides up to $500 to kickstart community wildfire preparation and FireSmart awareness and encourages grassroots action to build upon efforts across all levels of government to prepare for and respond to wildfire. Activities funded can take place any time between May 4 and October 1.

Wildfire Community Preparation Day helps to raise awareness that it is every individual’s responsibility to mitigate their risk from wildfire damage. Getting FireSmart is proven to reduce the risk of damage to homes, cabins, businesses, communities and neighbourhoods when wildfire approaches values at risk. It is also a crucial step for anyone with a home, cabin or business in a forested area.

Quote(s)

“I applaud the leadership and engagement shown by residents and communities across our territory as everyone works to be ready before the next wildfire starts. Every FireSmart action helps make your home, cabin, business or neighbourhood that much more resilient. We’re committed to matching this commitment and energy to drive community wildfire protection projects forward.” 

- Jay Macdonald, Minister, Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• Thirteen projects have been funded, with four funded by CIFFC and nine by the GNWT.
• Each funding recipient is provided with $500 and an event kit valued at $125 to assist with their event.
• Project organizers will advertise events. Watch for promotion in your community!
• It is highly likely that cabins, homes, and businesses in forested areas will be threatened by wildfire within their lifetimes. Getting FireSmart is how you can reduce your risk.
• A cabin, home, or business that has not had FireSmart work completed is extremely challenging for firefighters to protect should the time come.
• These grassroots efforts are complemented by nearly $20 million in funding leveraged by the NWT Association of Communities, with assistance and advice from the GNWT, to allow communities to advance community wildfire protection projects in line with FireSmart principles and established Community Wildfire Protection Plans.

Related links

• Prepare for wildfire before it comes with FireSmart NWT
• Prevent wildfire with these tips
• How wildfire operations work

For media requests, please contact:

Mike Westwick

Wildfire Information Officer

Department of Environment and Climate Change

Government of the Northwest Territories

Mike_Westwick@gov.nt.ca

867-688-0958