FireSmart program kicks off in Nelson

Nelson Fire and Rescue has launched their 2023 FireSmart program, and they are encouraging all residents to learn how they can help mitigate the risk of wildfires in the community. 

According to a media release, effective spring cleaning is the most effective method to mitigate wildfire risk and small simple tasks like lawn maintenance, cleaning debris from gutters and safely storing combustibles. 

Nelson fire is encouraging all residents to book a FireSmart home assessment to identify risk factors specific to their homes and property, provide recommendations for mitigation, and get tips for landscaping as well as emergency preparedness. 

The release says homeowners can earn a rebate of up to $500 for following through with recommendations offered by their home assessment. The rebates are made possible from the Community Resiliency Investment Program. 

The program was developed to help manage the risk of damage from wildfires, and has been proven to reduce the impact of extreme fire conditions. 

Chief Jeff Hebert approved a burn period to help residents reduce woody debris last month to help mitigate the risk of wildfires.