B.C. offers financial assistance for wildfire damage to local governments, First Nations

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Aerial shot of wildfire smoke coming from an area of evergreen trees. — An aerial shot of the Donnie Creek wildfire earlier in 2023. (BCWS)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has been made available for local governments and First Nations in regions affected by B.C.’s record-breaking wildfire season.

The Peace River Regional District and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality are eligible for the funding, along with all Indigenous communities, electoral areas and municipalities affected within the region.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, DFA can help cover disaster-related losses not covered by insurance, such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure.

Residents who have been affected by wildfires are encouraged to contact their insurance representative because standard home and business policies cover fire damage and additional living expenses.

The ministry said the province has applied to the federal government for Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), which will provide cost-sharing support for wildfire expenses.

First Nation communities and local governments that have had infrastructure damage from the wildfires since April 29th, 2023, should submit a local government DFA application as soon as possible, according to the ministry.

Visit the DFA website for application forms and more information.