RDKB FireSmart Program reaches 1,000 home assessments
By RDKB
More than 1,000 households across the RDKB are now better prepared for wildfire after taking part in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s FREE FireSmart Home Assessment Program.
Since launching the FireSmart Home Assessment Program in 2022, the initiative has seen exceptional community support, helping homeowners better understand their property’s wildfire risks and take practical steps to reduce them. The milestone reflects the growing commitment of residents across the region to protecting their homes, neighbourhoods and communities from the increasing threat of wildfire.
“This milestone represents far more than a number-it represents more than 1,000 households choosing to take action to better protect their homes, families and communities,” said Grace McGregor, Chair of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Board of Directors. “We’re incredibly proud of the response from residents and grateful to our dedicated FireSmart team, whose knowledge, professionalism and passion have made this program such a success. The continued support we’ve received through provincial funding reflects the important wildfire mitigation work happening across the RDKB. Every assessment completed helps build a safer, more wildfire-resilient region.”
At the heart of the program is the RDKB’s Wildfire Mitigation Team, whose members return season after season to provide practical, property-specific advice that empowers residents to make meaningful changes around their homes.
“The success of this program is built on relationships,” said Carlene Pires, RDKB Regional FireSmart Coordinator. “Our returning Wildfire Mitigation Specialists are passionate about helping residents understand the simple actions that can make a real difference. The trust they’ve built within our communities has been key to the program’s success, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see so many homeowners taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk around their properties.”
The program’s success extends well beyond assessments. Since launching the Residential FireSmart Rebate Program in 2024, the RDKB has approved 107 residential rebates, returning approximately $267,000 to homeowners to help offset the cost of completing recommended FireSmart mitigation work.
The program’s success has also been recognised through significant provincial investment. In 2025, the RDKB secured a record $1.18 million through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) FireSmart Community Funding Program – the largest FireSmart grant allocation the Regional District has received to date. This funding is supporting expanded wildfire mitigation activities, community FireSmart initiatives, public education and wildfire preparedness across the region.
Together, the exceptional community participation, strong uptake of the rebate program and record provincial investment demonstrate the RDKB’s leadership in wildfire mitigation and the growing confidence in its proactive, community-based approach to reducing wildfire risk.
Following a FREE FireSmart Home Assessment, eligible homeowners may qualify for rebates covering 50 per cent of eligible mitigation costs, ranging from $500 to $5,000, by completing the recommended FireSmart mitigation work identified in their assessment.
Residents considering booking an assessment are encouraged to do so soon. FireSmart rebate funding is allocated annually and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 50 per cent of this year’s rebate funding remains available, but once the annual allocation has been fully committed, no further rebates can be issued until additional funding becomes available.
To qualify for a rebate, homeowners must complete the recommended mitigation work outlined in their FireSmart assessment and submit their application with all required supporting documentation, including receipts for eligible expenses.
The FireSmart Rebate Program is available to eligible residents in RDKB Electoral Areas A, B, C, D and E, as well as the municipalities of Fruitvale, Montrose, Trail, Warfield, Grand Forks and Greenwood. Residents of Rossland and Midway should contact their local government regarding FireSmart programs available in their communities.
With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more challenging, the RDKB encourages homeowners not to wait until wildfire activity increases before taking action.
Booking a FREE FireSmart Home Assessment today can help reduce wildfire risk, protect your property and strengthen the resilience of your entire community.
To book your FREE FireSmart Home Assessment or learn more about available rebates, visit https://emergency.rdkb.com/FireSmart or contact the FireSmart team at firesmart@rdkb.com or 250-368-0259.
Comments