Communities across the Columbia Basin are receiving more than $3 million to help reduce wildfire risk and improve safety. More than $777,000 will go to communities in the East Kootenay as part of the Columbia Basin Wildfire Resiliency Initiative.
The funding comes from a partnership between the Province of B.C. and the Columbia Basin Trust. Twenty-three organizations will use the money for practical work guided by FireSmart principles to help communities better prepare for wildfires and adapt to changing climate conditions.
“Projects like these help communities stay healthy, act proactively and adapt to the realities of a changing climate. This includes managing fuels, planning how to respond if a wildfire hits, or helping residents understand what they can do to reduce risk around their own properties,” said Kris Belanger, senior manager of delivery of benefits for Columbia Basin Trust.
The program is part of B.C.’s Community Resiliency Investment program, with support from Columbia Basin Trust, the Ministry of Forests and the BC Wildfire Service.
“In partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, we are doing the work needed to ensure healthier, more resilient forests that better protect communities from wildfires. With the 2026 wildfire season on the horizon, it is never too late to take action to reduce fuel loads and help prepare our forests while also protecting watersheds, biodiversity and wildlife,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.
The funding supports a range of measures to help communities prepare for wildfire seasons, protect forests and keep people safe. These include hiring FireSmart co-ordinators, creating fuel treatment plans, conducting fuel reduction work and providing education and training to residents.
Invermere plans fuel management treatments on 56 hectares and will reduce wildfire risk on 17 hectares near town neighbourhoods. The municipality will also deliver FireSmart education to residents.
“By completing prescription development, archaeological assessments and invasive species surveys ahead of time, the District of Invermere can move directly into treatment when opportunities arise. Alongside treating 17 hectares, the goal is to reduce wildfire risk in high-priority interface zones, improve public and responder safety, and protect community values,” said Cass Dearlove, FireSmart co-ordinator.
Sparwood, Kimberley and Cranbrook are also undertaking fuel reduction, controlled burns and public education projects.
Officials said these efforts will help protect homes, improve safety and support healthier forests.
The funding aims to help communities reduce wildfire risk and improve preparedness for future fire seasons.
