The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) received grant funding earlier this year through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) Program to support FireSmart initiatives. Through this funding, a Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator was hired to increase wildfire resiliency across the regional district including educating the public on wildfire risk.

During Emergency Preparedness Week from May 5-12th, SRD's Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator traveled to various communities in the region, holding public education sessions on wildfire and FireSmart initiatives. Participants left the sessions feeling informed and motivated to protect their properties from wildfire.

SRD received feedback from residents that were unable to attend in-person that a virtual session was of interest. The SRD is delighted to share that two virtual education sessions have been scheduled for June 27th and a recording will be created for future viewing on the Strathcona Regional District website.

By attending SRD’s FireSmart & Preparing for Wildfire virtual sessions, participants will learn more about:
• FireSmart Principals to increase your home’s survivability from wildfire
• Community Wildfire Protection Plans / Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans
• Emergency Notifications – Alertable, Evacuation Alerts & Orders
• Emergency Support Services
• Wildfire Season Outlook

There are two sessions to choose from on Thursday, June 27th:
o Afternoon 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
o Evening 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Visit srd.ca/firesmart to join. Both sessions will cover the same content and pre-registration is not required. All participants will automatically be muted with cameras turned off however participants will be encouraged to ask questions throughout the session through the virtual chat feature.

“As we approach the peak wildfire season, each of us has a crucial role to play in safeguarding our communities,” said SRD Board Chair, Mark Baker. “By adopting FireSmart practices early, you can significantly enhance your property’s wildfire resilience through straightforward household tasks, which will be explained further at the session.”

For more information about these sessions and to obtain the virtual meeting link please visit srd.ca/firesmart

• Learn more about FireSmart BC and its initiatives at firesmartbc.ca

• Interested in a FREE FireSmart Home Assessment? Please contact SRD’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator at wrrsrd.ca 250-914-9234

• Alertable Notifications - During emergencies, SRD sends alerts to inform affected individuals, helping them take necessary safety precautions. This free service notifies residents, visitors, and businesses via text messages and calls to subscribed phone numbers (landline or cell). Stay informed by signing up at srd.ca/alerts.