Grant funding increases for PRRD FireSmart program

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — During the July 18th meeting, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) voted to increase grant revenue and general expenditures for its 2024 FireSmart program. 

The amendment is a one-time supplement that will increase grant revenue and general expenditures by $100,000.

According to a report to the board, the PRRD first requested funding from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) through its Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) Program at its March 21st, 2024 meeting.

In November 2023, UBCM said the funding was eligible for applicants with existing FireSmart programs directly impacted by the 2023 wildfires.

“Eligible applicants may apply to exceed the base funding maximum in order to support incremental FireSmart activities due to increased local demand for wildfire risk reduction,” said the report. 

The funding adds to a previous amendment of $400,000 through the CRI program at its June 20th board meeting.

The FireSmart Program will have most of the work carried out by Mammoth Forestry.

The program will consist of public education programs like home assessments and community events, a neighbourhood recognition program, sprinkler protection unit equipment purchasing, training and education programs for fire department and emergency management staff, and more. 

Since starting the FireSmart program, the PRRD has received $591,808.00 in grant funding through the UBCM grant stream.

The full report can be viewed below: