B.C.’s FireSmart shifting to allocation-based funding for higher risk areas

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) said yesterday the province’s FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program is shifting to an allocation-based model for higher risk areas.

The change is part of the 2024 program, and all program and application materials will be updated by Sept. 15, UBCM said in a news release.

UBCM is the administering body that doles out provincial funding for local authorities and First Nations to deliver FireSmart activities.

Under the allocation-based model, recipients with a higher risk of wildfire will be required to submit a brief allocation-based funding request form to confirm their eligibility. Approved recipients will receive an approval agreement with terms and conditions of the grant.

Those First Nations and local governments with a lower risk of wildfire will apply to the program through the application-based program.

The allocation-based funding is for FireSmart activities only and does not include fuel management activities, UBCM said.

Find more details here.