Supports available for community wildfire resiliency planning
Municipalities across the province can access support to develop community wildfire resiliency plans, identify risks and strengthen emergency preparedness.
The provincial government is providing this help to municipalities through the Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigations Program. Once a plan has been completed, municipalities may also be eligible for funding to help implement priority wildfire prevention and mitigation projects.
“Wildfires are becoming an increasing concern across Canada, and while we have been fortunate here in PEI to experience relatively few significant wildfire events so far, it's important that we continue to prepare. Preparation is one of the most effective tools when it comes to reducing wildfire risk. These plans will help municipalities understand their risk and build stronger, more resilient communities across the Island."
- Minister of Land and Environment Darlene Compton
Community wildfire resiliency plans are based on FireSmart principles and provide a roadmap to identify local wildfire risks and recommend practical actions to reduce them. Plans are developed collaboratively with municipalities, local fire departments, residents, businesses, and other community partners.
Each plan is tailored to the unique needs of the community and includes recommendations across the seven FireSmart disciplines: public education, emergency planning, vegetation management, legislation, development, interagency cooperation and cross-training.
"Every community has unique strengths and challenges when it comes to wildfire risk. A community wildfire resiliency plan provides practical, locally driven actions that help reduce risk before a wildfire occurs. Working together with municipalities and community partners is key to building long term resilience."
- Prevention and Mitigation Specialist Bradley MacIssac
Municipalities interested in getting help to develop a community wildfire resiliency plan can visit Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program (Community Wildfire Resilience) | Government of Prince Edward Island.
Media contact:
Morgan Martin
Department of Land and Environment
mxmartin@gov.pe.ca