More than 35 FireSmart projects across the territory are underway this year thanks to $850,000 in annual funding to reduce the risk of wildfire in and around the communities of Yukon.
The Government of Yukon’s FireSmart program has been helping communities become more resilient to the threat of wildfire through funded hazard-reduction projects since 1998. First Nations governments, municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups are eligible to apply for funding, primarily to manage vegetation on public land. This includes spacing or removing spruce and pine trees, removing underbrush and promoting less flammable species, such as aspen and birch.
Property owners are encouraged to use FireSmart principles on their own property to improve the chance that their home survives a wildfire. Examples of steps to take include removing all flammable material and vegetation near structures and keeping your roof, deck and gutters clear of material that could be ignited by embers.
The FireSmart program is key to building wildfire resilient communities across the territory. With climate change we are seeing longer and more unpredictable fire seasons. The value of this program has never been more evident.
Minister of Community Services John Streicker
The Government of Yukon’s FireSmart program was created to fund community-based projects to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our communities. Over the last 20 years, the Government of Yukon has invested more than $20 million in FireSmart projects.
FireSmart Canada is a federal organization that aims to prevent the negative impacts that wildfires can have through providing community, private and public FireSmart information and initiatives.
Yukon’s FireSmart program gives funding based on several criteria, including how effective the treatment is in reducing wildfire risk, the number of people the project impacts, the geographical distribution of funds throughout the territory and the value for cost of a project.
FireSmart projects being funded 2019–20:
- Village of Teslin - $25,000
- Teslin Tlingit Council - $25,000
- Tagish Volunteer Fire Department - $20,000
- Carcross/Tagish First Nation - $20,000
- South McClintock Community Association - $20,300
- Lorne Mountain Community Association - $25,000
- Golden Horn Community Association - $20,000
- Wolf Creek Community Association - $35,000
- MacLean Lake Residents Association - $25,000
- Pine Ridge Neighbourhood Association - $20,000
- Spruce Hill Community Association - $20,000
- Kwanlin Dun First Nation - $25,000
- Elijah Smith School Council - $12,000
- Riverdale Community Association / City of Whitehorse FD- $100,000
- Ta’an Kwach’an Council - $25,000
- Porter Creek Community Association - $25,000
- Crestview Community Association - $20,000
- Ibex Valley Volunteer Fire Department - $20,000
- Hidden Valley School Council - $20,000
- Champagne and Aishihik First Nations - $15,000
- Friends of Mount Sima - $25,000
- Mary Lake Community Association - $25,000
- Village of Haines Junction - $40,000
- Kluane First Nation - $20,000
- White River First Nation - $20,000
- Village of Carmacks - $25,000
- Selkirk First Nation - $15,000
- Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation - $20,000
- Town of Faro - $20,000
- Watson Lake Volunteer Fire Fighters Association - $20,000
- Liard First Nation - $35,000
- Tr’ondek Hwech’in - $30,000
- Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation - $15,000
- First Nation of Na-cho Nayak Dun - $25,000
Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca
Aisha Montgomery
Communications, Community Services
867-456-6580
aisha.montgomery@gov.yk.ca