Several neighbourhoods in the Sunshine Coast Regional District have been recognized for their wildfire preparedness through the FireSmart program.
The program encourages neighbours to work together to reduce wildfire hazards. Six neighbourhoods in the region have received recognition and the SCRD said several others are working toward it.
“A FireSmart neighbourhood stands an even greater chance of surviving a wildfire than a single FireSmart property,” said David McIlwraith, FireSmart coordinator with the SCRD. “When neighbours work together to reduce wildfire risks, the benefits extend throughout the entire community.”
Recognized neighbourhoods include Brigade Bay, Witherby Estates, Garden Bay Estates, Sandy Hook, Sherwood Grove and Woodcreek Park.
The SCRD said neighbourhoods can receive FireSmart recognition by committing to ongoing wildfire risk reduction. Requirements include completing a risk assessment, organizing local mitigation activities and maintaining a FireSmart committee.
Residents interested in having their neighbourhood recognized can contact the SCRD FireSmart program for more information.
