In a place surrounded by breathtaking forests and rugged mountains, wildfire preparedness is more than just a precaution—it’s a community effort.
With climate change bringing longer, drier seasons, Squamish residents are coming together to protect their homes and neighbourhoods through the FireSmart program.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility,” says Emily Wood, FireSmart co-ordinator for the District of Squamish.
“When we work together, we’re not just reducing risks—we’re building stronger connections as a community.”
Wood began her FireSmart journey in 2020 and has been working in Squamish for a year.
“FireSmart is a national initiative governed by FireSmart BC, and each community tailors its program locally,” she told The Squamish Chief.
The threat of wildfires in Squamish
Squamish faces heightened wildfire vulnerability due to a combination of topography, weather, and fuel accumulation.
“If you're at the top of an uphill slope or near heavy fuel loads, your area is more susceptible,” Wood said.
According to Wood, with warmer temperatures and drought conditions becoming more frequent, managing fuel loads has become a top priority for the district.
Wood's assessments focus on preparing properties for wildfires, from recommending fire-resistant roofing materials to relocating combustible materials away from homes. “These assessments are free, and some insurance companies even offer rebates for completing them,” she added.
Bridging gaps in wildfire preparedness
When asked about gaps in Squamish’s wildfire strategy, Wood emphasized the need for community participation.
“The gap is that we all need to buy into this program and work together—on our own properties, with our neighbours, and as a community,” she said. “Building resiliency is not just about physical preparation; it’s also about emotional and mental readiness.”
Wood acknowledged that Squamish’s FireSmart program is still in its relatively early stages compared with some neighbouring communities.
The District is working towards making Squamish a recognized FireSmart Community.
“Logan Lake has been FireSmarting for 20 years, and when a wildfire came through, they only lost three sheds,” Wood said.
Addressing tourism and development
Squamish’s growing tourism and development also impact wildfire risks.
“Education is crucial, especially for visitors who might not understand the dangers of campfires,” Wood noted. “One of last summer’s wildfires was caused by a campfire that wasn’t properly extinguished.”
She also highlighted recent incidents of rubbish bin fires caused by improperly discarded hot coals.
“It’s a reminder that even small mistakes can lead to big problems. Awareness and responsibility are key,” she said.
Lessons from the California wildfire
Reflecting on lessons from the current and recent wildfires in California and beyond, Wood stressed preparation.
“Know your community’s evacuation plan, have a go-bag ready, and consider installing WASP sprinkler systems,” she said of the wildfire-fighting-grade sprinkler equipment.
“FireSmart is the best way to protect your home, and small steps like clearing debris or removing flammable vegetation can make a huge difference.”
Wood also pointed to bylaws prohibiting highly flammable plants like cedar and juniper near structures.
“These regulations are critical, but enforcement can be challenging,” she acknowledged.
Community support initiatives
The FireSmart program aims to make the program easily accessible to locals, according to Wood.
“We've hosted free chipping days in neighbourhoods like Garibaldi Highlands, Hospital Hill, and Brackendale, providing residents with the means to dispose of yard waste safely," Wood said.
Additionally, the program offers FireSmart assistance to residents who cannot manage their yard work independently.
Efforts to enhance structural fire defence include cross-training municipal firefighters in collaboration with the BC Wildfire Service and the Squamish Fire Rescue team.
“We're building a Structural Protection Unit for Squamish, which is essentially a trailer equipped with pumps, tools, and sprinkler systems to safeguard structures during wildfires," Wood told The Squamish Chief.
Long-term planning
Looking ahead, the district is developing a comprehensive Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
This document will outline strategies to protect critical infrastructure, mitigate fuel in green spaces, and guide neighbourhood-specific preparedness efforts.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone, from seniors to low-income residents, has access to the resources they need to protect their homes and communities,” Wood said.
“90% of homes survive wildfires if they have a Class A roof and a 10-meter mitigated area around the structure.”
A Class A FireSmart roof has recommended roofing material, such as asphalt-composition shingles, metal, or slate, clay, and concrete tiles.
“Small changes really can make a huge difference,” Wood said.
Residents can book free home assessments and access resources through the FireSmart page on the District of Squamish website.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief's Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
