The Yukon government has announced a new initiative in Mount Lorne, designed to strengthen community resilience to wildfires by training local volunteer firefighters to deliver FireSmart home assessments.
Under the pilot project, members of the Mount Lorne Volunteer Fire Department will receive advanced assessor training through FireSmart Canada, recognizing that local firefighters’ on the ground experience, technical knowledge and strong public trust make them well positioned to help residents reduce wildfire risks.
Once certified, volunteer firefighters can visit properties to identify site specific vulnerabilities and offer tailored recommendations to help homeowners in the area reduce the likelihood of wildfire damage. Their guidance will complement the resources available at firesmartcanada.ca.
The Government of Yukon is committed to public safety and supporting communities in reducing vulnerability to wildfire. This pilot program is our latest initiative in finding ways to improve our services and further protect communities, large and small, across the Yukon.
Mount Lorne volunteer firefighters are excited to take part in this pilot program and to provide more support to our community in relation to wildfire resilience. We look forward to connecting with residents about FireSmarting their properties and can be found at the Lorne Mountain Community Centre's Canada Day celebration if people want more information about the program.
-
The Government of Yukon has committed $5,000 to fund this pilot project in the Mount Lorne community.
-
Government of Yukon volunteer firefighters receive an honorarium of $30.74 for each hour spent responding to calls or in training. They will also receive an honorarium for time spent on this pilot project.
-
This pilot is a one-year commitment to determine the viability of using volunteer fire departments to provide wildfire safety home assessment services.
-
This project will begin in 2026 and be conducted within a one-year period.
-
The Government of Yukon will work closely with FireSmart Canada, the community of Mount Lorne and the Mount Lorne Volunteer Fire Department to implement this pilot project.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Julia Duchesne
Communications, Community Services
867-332-4188
[email protected]