More resources provided for FireSmart Program

By Susan Hofforth

Whitecourt is working towards becoming a Firesmart Community and we have just received another $376,000 in grant monies to put towards achieving this designation.

The Firesmart Program teaches those living in areas susceptible to wildfires to decrease the risk of losing homes to wildfires. According to the Firesmartcanada website “FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods allow firefighters to concentrate on fighting the wildfire – which ultimately saves more homes and lives. Communities whose residents take steps to reduce their vulnerability have a greater chance of surviving a wildfire without the intervention of the fire department.”

In 2011, the town adopted a FireSmart Community Protection Plan which identifies and prioritizes areas throughout the community which require fuel modification treatment. The money will be used to treat 53 hectares of land east of Dahl Drive in order to minimize the wildfire risk.