Preparing for hot Okanagan summers is increasingly important before wildfire risk increases. The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is pleased to announce the 2025 FireSmart program, aimed at encouraging community members to adopt FireSmart practices around their homes.
Rebates for FireSmart work are up to $1,000 (covering 50% of labour and supplies costs) for property owners in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas. A limited number of rebates are available, so residents are encouraged to get started early.
“We are encouraging residents to take a FireSmart approach around their homes,” says Adam Skrinnikoff, RDCO FireSmart Coordinator. “Proactive steps can reduce costs for property owners through these rebates and help protect their properties. The good work of previous FireSmart activities has shown the importance of these practices, and we look forward to supporting future clean-ups and community efforts.”
Rebates and community-led events are planned to celebrate FireSmart status in Electoral Area West. Congratulations to Traders Cove, Pine Point, Wilson’s Landing and Westside Place for achieving this status, and Shelter Cove for maintaining it for a second year.
Upcoming FireSmart events
Wilson’s Landing FireSmart Community Clean-up is taking place on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. To accommodate their weekend clean-up activities, the Trader’s Cove Transfer Station will expand its hours of operations for Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and include an additional yard waste bin. The Trader’s Cove Transfer Station is for authorized users only.
Other upcoming RDCO FireSmart events include:
- Monday, May 19 – Shelter Cove
- Sunday, June 15 – Joe Rich
FireSmart practices, such as replacing combustible roofing and siding materials, cleaning gutters, removing cedars and juniper hedges and maintaining safe tree branch height, are proven to help reduce fire hazards.
To get started, residents should visit rdco.com/firesmart to learn more about the FireSmart program and schedule a free personalized property assessment. The assessments provide tailored recommendations to reduce fire hazards. Residents who implement the FireSmart recommendations are eligible for the rebate.
