Wildfire risk reduction is the shared responsibility of our whole community including residents, visitors, businesses and the municipal and provincial government.
The FireSmart Home Partners Program (HPP) assessments accurately evaluate structures and the surrounding landscape for potential vulnerabilities, helping homeowners understand the risks unique to their property and mitigation strategies that can make a difference.
FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods are more resistant to ember-driven ignition, which allows firefighters more time and space to work safely and effectively. FireSmart homes significantly reduce wildfire’s ability to travel across the wildland urban interface. Each firesmart property breaks up fuel pathways within their own space, which inhibits fires from spreading or travelling quickly.
FireSmart assessments are free in Whistler
Get the details on the various FireSmart programs available in Whistler below.
Questions about the program and what’s involved?
Email our FireSmart team to book your free FireSmart Home Partners assessment. Please reach out to Scott Rogers, FireSmart Supervisor & Steve Ruhl, FireSmart Coordinator at firesmart@whistler.ca.
Win $1,000 in FireSmart work
Whistler homeowners can win $1,000 in FireSmart work around their property by entering the RMOW FireSmart Home Partners Program contest. Contest ends May 22, 2024 at 4:59 p.m.
FireSmart Home Partners Program
Schedule a free assessment delivered by a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. This assessment gives in-depth mitigation information.
FireSmart Work Days
Schedule a neighbourhood workday. Learn important tips and FireSmart practices that will minimize fire risk around your property.
FireSmart Community Chipper Service
Schedule the free FireSmart Community Chipper service to collect and chip wood debris.
FireSmart Landscaping Workshops
Educating landscapers, arborists and other professionals on best practices for wildfire prevention.
FireSmart Landscape Hub
By making the right strategic choices in your yard, you can make your property more resilient to wildfire.
FireSmart resources
View and download FireSmart Resources, including the Home Owner’s Manual and Landscape Guide.
Meet Ember, the FireSmart Fox
Ember makes for the perfect FireSmart messenger for kids. Download Ember’s Colouring Book and the Kids FireSmart Home Assessment.
Community wildfire protection and preparedness
Whistler is at high risk of wildfires. Find out what the RMOW is doing and how you can prepare for the risk of wildfires.
Sign up for Whistler Alert
Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies.
Tree Cutting Permits
In some cases, a Development Permit or Tree Cutting Permit is required before completing work that changes landscaping or removes vegetation or trees.
If your property is in a Development Permit Area, a Development Permit is required before beginning any development that includes alteration of land, including landscaping or removal of vegetation or trees.
A Tree Cutting Permit must be obtained prior to cutting, topping or limbing any tree that is:
- located within 20 metres of the highway
- identified as a heritage tree
- designated in a tree covenant area
FireSmart Testimonial
A homeowner in Mckay Creek shares her experience with wildfire, and how she prepared her property to be wildfire-resilient, went viral on Twitter. Here, she shares her story with FireSmart BC.
