As many as 200 homes across at least half a dozen Grande Prairie neighbourhoods can take part in the a free FireSmart Home Assessment Program thanks to funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
The program, which runs between May and October, aims to help residents reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their properties and enhance community resilience. Those who sign up can expect a visit from what is called a Home Ignition Zone specialist, who will d provide a customized report with recommendations on how to improve their home’s wildfire readiness. The assessment focuses on the home ignition zone, usually within 30 metres of a structure, where most wildfires start.
Tips and best practices, can be as simple as clearing combustible materials, or as detailed as creating defensible space and choosing fire-resistant landscaping and building materials.
Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says with grants like this, the city is taking proactive steps to address the serious wildfire threat in Grande Prairie by protecting residents and infrastructure from potential fire disasters.
“The FireSmartâ„¢ Home Assessment Program is a great opportunity for homeowners to learn how to make their property more fire-resistant and join the collective effort to create a FireSmartâ„¢ community,” she adds.
The program targets specific neighbourhoods in Grande Prairie that border onto public wildland urban interface areas and include Mission Heights, Coachman Village, Southview, Bear Creek, Country Club West; and Grande Banks.
Residents in other neighbourhoods can still submit a request for a home assessment, and you can learn more about the FireSmart Home Assessment Program here.
