FireSmart™ Elkford

Learn more about FireSmart™ BC principles and access tips, resources and guides. Working together, we can make a big difference in reducing our community's wildfire risk!

 

FireSmart™ in the District of Elkford

FireSmart leads the development of resources and programs to help Canadians increase resilience to wildfire, and FireSmart BC is the provincial program committed to helping British Columbians reduce their wildfire risk.

In 2019, the District of Elkford was recognized by FireSmart Canada for its proactive efforts in protecting the community from wildfire. The District of Elkford was awarded the Community Protection Achievement Certificate, highlighting our ongoing efforts toward being a resilient FireSmart community.

In alignment with these long-term efforts, as well as an increasing focus on wildfire risk reduction across B.C.,  Elkford now has our very own FireSmart Representative: Tamara! As part of the District of Elkford's Fire and Emergency Services department, our local FireSmart Representative's role involves collaborating with Elkford’s homeowners, neighbourhoods, builders, developers, businesses, nurseries and other municipal and provincial partners to help reduce wildfire risk in and around Elkford, in addition to increasing our community’s awareness and preparedness.

The District of Elkford's Fire and Emergency Services department offers multiple safety programs to promote public safety and education. One of the department's primary goals is to raise awareness and help residents, businesses and homeowners empower themselves, become proactive and take preventative measures toward fire prevention and reducing wildfire risk to their homes, properties and neighbourhoods. Learn more about the District of Elkford fire department. 

 

 

 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: TASHA CHORNEYKO

Elkford's Fire Department

Elkford Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for coordinating fire protection, rescue and emergency services for the District of Elkford. This department provides fire suppression and rescue services, fire investigations, fire prevention and life safety education, issuance of burning permits and assists with managing the wildfire fuel reduction program in Elkford. Learn more about the fire department here.

Need assistance? In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, contact 250.865.4020 or ecalla@elkford.ca.

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What can Your Local FireSmart Representative Help With?

Elkford's FireSmart Representative is dedicated to reducing wildfire risk to properties and homes through public education. The goal of FireSmart is to empower homeowners to increase their resilience to wildfire on their properties and within their communities. 

Your FireSmart Representative can help you with:

  • Performing a FireSmart assessment on your home, property and neighborhood to determine your wildfire risk levels and making personalized recommendations on how to improve your resiliency.
  • Developing a FireSmart Plan for your home, property and neighbourhood.
  • Enroling your neighborhood in the FireSmart™ Canada Neighborhood Program.
  • Helping you understanding wildland urban interface concepts and hazards.
  • Increasing awareness and education about wildfire community preparedness across the District of Elkford.

 

FireSmart at Upcoming Events in Elkford

Come say hello! Look for your District of Elkford FireSmart Representative at the following local events:

  • A Taste of Sparwood: Elkford FireSmart at Sparwood Greenwood Mall — April 6, 2025

  • FireSmart Wildfire Training Summit: Penticton, B.C. — April 11 to 16, 2025

  • Ember Stomp: Elkford FireSmart at East Kootenay FireSmart, Jaffray Community Hall — April 25, 2025

  • Community Wildfire Resilience Plan Presentation: District of Elkford Regular Council Meeting — April 28, 2025

  • FireSmart Education Program – Classroom Contest: April 10 to May 8, 2025

  • FireSmart Wildfire Community Preparedness Day: May 3, 2025

  • Emergency Preparedness Week – Be Prepared. Know Your Risks: May 4 to 10, 2025

  • Health & Safety Education Fair: Elkford Secondary School — May 6, 2025

  • Trails Alliance and Elkford Secondary School – FireSmart Education: May 9, 2025

  • Chamber of Commerce Community Clean-Up: May 10, 2025

  • Municipal District Campground Clean-Up – FireSmart and Parks & Recreation: May 11 to 15, 2025

  • FireSmart Standing Committee Research Meeting: May 13, 2025

  • FireSmart Provincial and Regional Meeting: May 16, 2025

  • Foxy Friday – Ember Tips, Prizes and Draw: May 23, 2025

  • WSPP-115 Sprinkler Protection FireSmart Training: Elko, B.C. — May 24 and 25, 2025

  • Sparwood Coal Miner Days: Sparwood — June 13 and 14, 2025

  • Foxy Friday – June Ember Tips, Prizes and Draw: June 20, 2025

  • FireSmart at Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament: June 21, 2025

  • Wildcat Days Fireworks – FireSmart and Ember Mascot: District of Elkford — June 27, 2025

  • Wildcat Days Parade – FireSmart and Ember Mascot, Greenspace Collaboration, Wildland Float, Dunk Tank: June 28, 2025

  • Ember’s FireSmart Community Preparedness and Awareness Day and Library Program: Elkford Public Library — July 18, 2025

 

Contact Elkford's FireSmart Representative

Questions about FireSmart? Contact Tamara today at firesmart@elkford.ca. 

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Not Sure Where to Start? 

With some easy steps, you can help protect your home and community from wildfires. 

Not sure where to start? Learn more about the Wildfire Mitigation Program, then complete the self-assessment available from FireSmart Canada, and then click here to book your home assessment! A home assessment includes for an on-site evaluation and action report, with personalized recommendations on your next steps to FireSmart your home and property.

Ready to book your free home assessment?

 

Questions?

Contact Tamara today at firesmart@elkford.ca. 

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FireSmart Programs in Elkford

FireSmart™ Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program

FireSmart Canada developed the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program to officially recognize neighbourhoods that have taken critical steps to reduce their vulnerabilities to wildfire. FireSmart is most effective when neighbourhoods work together to increase their wildfire resiliency. Visit FireSmart BC's website and check out this handy digital map of locations that have been recognized by FireSmart. 

Some communities in British Columbia are being recognized by FireSmart Canada for taking the steps toward building a wildfire resilient community. Want to help Elkford become one of these?

To receive FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition the following criteria must be met:

  • Have an assessment completed by your Local FireSmart Representative (firesmart@elkford.ca)
  • Create a plan that identifies locally agreed upon solutions that the neighbourhood can implement
  • Create a committee, which maintains the plan and tracks the progress
  • Host a FireSmart event each year that is dedicated to a local FireSmart project
  • Invest a minimum of $2 per capita annually in local FireSmart Neighbourhood efforts; and
  • Submit an annual report to FireSmart Canada that documents continuing compliance with the program

Would you like to make your entire neighbourhood more resilient to wildfire?

 

Get in Touch

For more information, contact your FireSmart Representative at firesmart@elkford.ca.  

FireSmart™ Home Partners Program: Coming Soon!

Coming soon to Elkford! Watch for more information.