Whether we think of the huge fires that have occurred over the last ten years in the Okanagan, or the smaller fires that burn every year in every region, it’s obvious that fires and communities don’t mix well. The province and local governments are becoming more proactive in dealing with the threat of fires near communities, and are preparing Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs). Westland Resources has prepared several CWPPs, and is also involved in the practical implementation of those plans, including agency and public education, fuel management prescriptions, and fuel hazard reduction.

Click on the links below for samples of a CWPP that we developed for the Kitselas First Nation:
• Kitselas First Nation Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Appendix 1 – Wildfire Threat Rating Map
• Appendix 2 – WildFire Threat Rating and Data Summaries
• Appendix 3 – Historic Fire Starts and Specific Causes

In 2019 Westland fulfilled the City of Terrace and Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine’s FireSmart programs through the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) funding program. These programs assisted homeowners in Terrace and throughout the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine in protecting their properties from wildfires. The FireSmart programs also addressed the following:
• Identification of Wildland-Urban Interfaces (WUI) and critical residential neighborhoods within WUI areas.
• Fuel management on crown land within WUI zones to reduce wildfire encroachment on residential areas.
• Advanced emergency planning.
• Development and management of a District Wildfire Prevention Preparedness Suppression Group to actively address wildfire risks.
• Promotion of S-100 training.
• Guidance on the development of regional wildfire plans.

Westland is currently applying for 2020 funding to continue and further develop the FireSmart programs.