A $199,878.80 grant from the Ministry of Forests (MOF) will allow the District of Hope to improve wildfire safety within the community.
Provided by MOF’s Community Resiliency Investment program, the money is being used by the district for their FireSmart Hope program. The district has hired a FireSmart coordinator and they are developing a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP). The funds are also being used to cover the costs of community initiatives, such as educating the public on wildfire safety.
“This grant is a great result of dedication of our staff and support from the council,”Gurvinder Sodhi, the district’s communications and system analysis advisor, said. “Effective communication and community engagement are pivotal to our wildfire resiliency efforts. (We urge) all residents to stay informed and involved as we work together towards a safer, more prepared Hope community.”
Due to the concerns that wildfire season brings, FireSmart Hope has also joined the regional Wildfire Resiliency Committee along with neighbouring communities and First Nation communities. Together they will work with B.C. Wildfire Service on wildfire prevention strategies.
In addition, FireSmart Hope will focus on engaging with the community. Residents with questions about FireSmart Hope, or curious to know more about their upcoming programs, can speak with them during community events or visit their Facebook page.
Residents will also be able to speak with local FireSmart representatives and wildfire mitigation specialists, who are also with the Hope Fire Department, about providing “free home assessments and reports that will allow them to make” changes to protect their homes from wildfire events.
Locals can also follow the district on Facebook and sign up on the Alertable app to stay informed and updated about emergency situations in Hope.
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