Latest news with #FireSmart
CBC
4 days ago
- General
- CBC
Municipality of Jasper adopts climate action plan nearly one year after wildfire
Social Sharing The Municipality of Jasper is embarking on a five-year plan to mitigate the impacts of climate hazards like wildfires, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, freezing rain, and receding glaciers. Council approved the Climate Adaptation Action Plan, after reviewing the report at a meeting Tuesday. It comes nearly a year after a wildfire ravaged forest in Jasper National Park before it entered the town, destroying about 350 residences. "This disaster caused severe disruption to Jasper's built, natural, social and economic systems, significantly impacting individuals and families, local businesses, the broader community, and the surrounding region," the report says. The climate action plan contains 28 steps to safeguard critical infrastructure, protect essential services and better prepare the community to deal with natural disasters. Mayor Richard Ireland said the municipality has been working on some of the measures for years, such as the FireSmart program to buildings. There's a sense of urgency now after last year's disaster. "We're aware of risk to our community, wildfire being one of them, and that risk continues despite the wildfires of summer of 2024." Administration says some measures are high priority, such as preventing wildfires, installing backup power systems for critical infrastructure, fire-proofing buildings, upgrading HVAC systems and adding clear-air shelters, shade structures and cooling spaces in public places like parks. Ireland said the municipality will work with Parks Canada to improve some infrastructure standards. "I know that our wastewater treatment plant now is sided in wood, that should probably change," he said. "We've already taken steps to encourage Parks Canada to change building requirements so we don't wind up with more combustible buildings." Coun. Scott Wilson said people are aware that things have to change. "Everybody feels it and on those hot, dry days, we really do start thinking about it." Wilson said wood had been the going concern for builders in previous decades, but as the town looks ahead to a hotter, more eventful climate future, reducing risk when building and landscaping is paramount. The plan includes an education campaign — spreading the word to advise people which municipal buildings they can go during a heat wave or heavy smoke. The climate action plan also stems from a risk assessment plan that was compiled before the wildfire. That report says Jasper is expected to get hotter in the coming years, alongside an increase in the number of extreme rainfall events, including freezing rain. Wildfire risk will continue to be significant, the report said. "Ideally, municipal staff, members of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Jasper, and other community organizations should work collaboratively to co-create a plan toward greater resilience that can realistically be implemented," the report said.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Four new forest fires reported in the region Monday
Ontario Forest Fires says there are now six forest fires in the northeast region after four new ones were discovered Monday. Ontario Forest Fires says there are now six forest fires in the northeast region after four new ones were discovered Monday. One of the fires is under control while the other five are being held, the group said in its daily update on the area's forest fire situation. 'The fire hazard is low across the central and southern section of the region and moderate to high with a few pockets of extreme values across the northern section of the northeast region,' the update said. The four new fires are: Haliburton 6, a 0.1-hectare fire located on a small island in Lingham Lake. This fire is being held. Cochrane 10, 32 hectares in size and located about 23 kilometres north of the Otter River in the far north. This fire is being observed. Cochrane 11, located 20 kilometres southeast of the Severn River, is 69 hectares in size and is being monitored. Cochrane 12, 109 hectares in size and located three kilometres north of the Dickey River. This fire is being observed. For a closer look at fire hazard conditions in your area, Ontario Forest Fires has an interactive map. Wildland fires can affect communities when they occur in or near neighbourhoods near forested areas. The FireSmart program offers tangible tips on how to mitigate the risk of wildland fires spreading to your home, cottage, or community. 'Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind the public to use caution when performing any outdoor burning,' the update said. 'In order to dispose of yard waste and woody debris, we encourage you to use methods such as composting or using your local landfill. If you must burn, follow Ontario's Outdoor Burning Regulations.' To report a wildland fire located north of the French and Mattawa rivers, dial 310-FIRE. To report a wildland fire located south of the French or Mattawa Rivers, dial 911. For more information about the current wildland fire situation, click here.
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Strengthening southern Yukon communities against wildfire exposure Français
WHITEHORSE, YT, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Communities in southern Yukon will reduce their wildfire risk after a combined investment of more than $17 million from the federal and Yukon governments. The funding was announced by Dr. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, along with the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Nils Clarke, on behalf of Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services, for the Government of Yukon. Funding for the Government of Yukon's Wildland Fire Management branch will decrease fire risk in the communities of Whitehorse, Teslin, and Haines Junction—communities which are part of the northern boreal forest region and prone to aggressive wildfire behaviour. This region relies on Wildland Fire Management to protect life, critical infrastructure, and property from the impacts of wildfire while facilitating the creation of wildfire-resilient places to live. Funding will support different treatment phases, which include both retreatment and new fuel break construction. With new forest regrowth and new FireSmart standards, previous risk reduction efforts may become less effective over time. Retreatment includes increasing spacing between trees and removing live or dead vegetation that could allow fires to climb the landscape or trees from the forest floors. New treatment will include reducing or managing materials that are flammable or combustible in the wildland-urban interface. These measures follow national standards set out by FireSmart Canada and will increase the wildfire resilience of these three communities. Quotes "More than ever before, investing in resilient infrastructure is essential to help northern communities prepare for and respond to unpredictable natural events. Through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, we are able to support projects that strengthen environmental stability and reduce wildfire risks in Whitehorse, Teslin, Haines Junction, and surrounding areas – safeguarding these communities for years to come." Dr. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Member of Parliament for Yukon "Unfortunately, every year in the North, we see firsthand the devastating impact of wildfires. Proactive investments like the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund are critical to protecting our communities and public infrastructure while also keeping families safe." The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Our Yukon communities continue seeing the impact climate change is having on the North. Although we can't predict where wildfire activity will happen, we can take measures to protect ourselves. Thank you to the Government of Canada for their investment of over $13 million for this proactive work and pleased to announce the Government of Yukon's support of these efforts with over $3 million." Richard Mostyn, Minister of Community Services Quick Facts Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits. The federal government is investing $13,842,900 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), while the territorial government is investing $3,247,500. To date, over $2.9 billion has been announced for more than 117 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe. On November 24 th, 2022, the federal government released Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities. As part of the National Adaptation Strategy and Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan, the federal government has launched the Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure (CTHI) initiative. The Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure will support the development of integrated climate-related tools, resources and services for communities through: A Climate Help Desk to provide direct support to address infrastructure and climate-related inquiries; A roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts to provide access to expert advice to strengthen climate-related considerations of public infrastructure and housing projects; and Climate Tools and Resources that are widely available and accessible through the Platform. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations. Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement. Canada's National Adaptation Strategy Strengthened Climate Plan Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Global News
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Global News
These few, simple steps could help save your home from a wildfire
With wildfire season upon us once again, British Columbians are being urged to take a few simple steps to 'FireSmart' their property that could have a big impact in the case of an emergency. FireSmart BC is a provincial program that aims to help protect homes and communities from wildfires through proactive steps that reduce the risk of properties igniting in the first place. 'One of the main ways we know wildfires impact communities, it's not always this big flame front; it's very often small embers that travel ahead of the fire in the wind and the heat,' said Helena Marken, a FireSmart BC researcher. 'Those landing on and around properties can cause homes to ignite.' 1:43 FireSmart simulator demonstrates wildfire risk Researchers have come up with some innovative tools to show just how that works. One, an ember simulator, uses an air cannon to shoot biodegradable foam packing peanuts that float down, mimicking the behaviour of hot embers. Story continues below advertisement Where they land on a property can give a clear visual sense of potential sources of ignition in a situation where wildfire embers rain down. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Understanding that risk could be the difference between protecting a home and losing it to fire, as the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna demonstrated. 'Embers were travelling over 2.5 kilometres across Lake Okanagan to start fires on the east side of the lake,' Marken said. 'Once those spot fires start within communities or in surrounding wooded areas, they can create their own embers.' That's where the proactive FireSmart work comes in. Marken is encouraging all homeowners to visit the FireSmart website, where they can complete a self-assessment highlighting the risks specific to their property. 1:54 West Kelowna Fire Chief reminds residents to 'FireSmart' their properties But there are some basic guidelines everyone can follow. Story continues below advertisement Number one is ensuring you have a 1.5-metre buffer area with nothing flammable around your home. That includes doormats, stored items, plants, shrubbery or anything that could catch on fire if a hot ember were to fall on it. Tall trees next to homes should also be removed, and homeowners should aim to keep their grass cut shorter than 10 centimetres. Propane tanks and recreational vehicles should be stored at least 10 metres from a home, while patio furniture should be packed up and stored when not in use. 'What people can do, and what I hope everyone does going into this fire season, is begin to look at the vegetation that's around their home, look at the person-made fuels — that's building materials, firewood, patio furniture — and taking that lens and moving them inside or away from the house so there's less opportunities for embers to get trapped and ignite,' Markens said. She added that many of these tasks can be integrated into regular spring cleaning and gardening work that homeowners likely will do annually. You can find out more about how to protect your property during fire season at the FireSmart BC website.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
N.S. and P.E.I among provinces to commit funding to federal wildfire program
Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island were among the seven provinces and territories to join the federal government in a $104 million commitment to wildfire prevention and resilience efforts through the Government of Canada's Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program. 'FireSmart Canada is a key part of our national wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts,' said Natural Resources Canada in a news release. 'The funding announced today will help enhance FireSmart programming and support the provinces and territories in increasing capacity and assisting community-based projects to help prevent wildfires and mitigate their impacts, including Indigenous communities that are disproportionately threatened by wildfires.' The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) leads the FireSmart program. The federal government will spend $9.1 million over five years on the RCF program through the centre. Nova Scotia's Minister of Natural Resources said Wildfire is everyone's responsibility. 'Through our partnership with the federal government, we're continuing to help people adopt the FireSmart principles around their homes and in their communities so we can avoid the devastation and upheaval that wildfires can cause,' said Minister Tory Rushton. Canada and Nova Scotia will spend an additional $821,130 over fiver years through the RCF program. Canada and Prince Edward Island will each spend an additional $510,000 over four years. 'It is great to see more Islanders and local communities embracing FireSmart principles, and we are committed to increasing our prevention, mitigation and response efforts,' said Gilles Arsenault, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
