Curtis Huppee, District of Lake Country Planning student/UNBC undergraduate student and Deputy Fire Chief Brent Penner.
Residents of Lake Country are being invited to take part in a new program to help them better understand and reduce wildfire risk around their properties.
The District of Lake Country has partnered with the University of Northern British Columbia on a student-led wildfire self-audit toolkit project. It’s a voluntary program aimed at supporting residents in finding ways to improve wildfire resilience while helping UNBC students with research on community preparedness and risk reduction.
UNBC students will be working for the district’s Planning and Development department, providing participants with a structural self-assessment tool and recommendations based on FireSmart BC principles.
”Wildfires continue to be a growing concern for communities across British Columbia,” said Lake Country Fire Department deputy chief Brent Penner.
“Lake Country has been very proactive in taking FireSmart action and offering free FireSmart property assessments. This student-led pilot project empowers residents to take an active role in understanding the factors that influence wildfire risk around their homes and provides practical steps they can take to enhance safety and reduce risk.”
Participation in the pilot project is voluntary and anonymous. The self-audit is open to residents who:
- Are 18 years of age or older;
- Complete this self-audit on private property; and
- Voluntarily agree to participate
Residents who complete the self-audit can enter a gift card draw. They may also choose to receive an optional summary report or express interest in participating in a follow-up focus group.
“This project is about helping residents be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to wildfire risk around their homes,” said Curtis Huppee, the UNBC undergraduate student leading the project.
“By participating, residents can better understand wildfire risk around their properties, identify actions they can take today, and contribute to research that may help support more wildfire-resilient communities across B.C.”
The Wildfire Self-Audit Toolkit will remain open for participation until July 10.