FireSmart Program
Building a wildfire-resilient community
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Wildfire risk reduction is a shared responsibility
FireSmart Canada is a national program designed to help communities reduce wildfire risk through proven, science-based principles. When we work together, we create a safer environment for everyone.
Protecting our community involves all of us:
- Homeowners & Renters: Simple changes to your yard and home exterior.
- Business Owners: Protecting your assets and ensuring continuity.
- Community Organizations: Leading local initiatives and awareness.
- Municipalities: Implementing large-scale mitigation and planning.
- Take Action Today
Live FireSmart
Visit FireSmart Canada today to learn how to apply FireSmart principles to your property.
Meet Your Regional FireSmart Coordinator
The MD joins the Town of Slave Lake in announcing the appointment of Sara Coutts as our new Regional FireSmart Coordinator.
Sara joins our team with extensive experience in emergency management, risk reduction planning, and community preparedness. Her approach is rooted in practical, locally driven solutions designed to protect our homes and our landscape.
"I am focused on building accessible, practical FireSmart programs that make a real difference for our residents. By working together, we can significantly reduce wildfire risk and build a safer, more resilient community."
A Dedicated Resource for Our Community
In her role, Sara serves as a bridge between residents, regional fire services, and partner organizations. Her work is focused on building a consistent, well-coordinated FireSmart strategy that strengthens the resilience of our entire region.
Sara’s primary areas of focus include:
- Home Assessments: Providing personalized recommendations to help residents reduce wildfire risks on their properties.
- Neighbourhood Recognition: Assisting local groups in achieving FireSmart Canada recognition.
- Community Outreach: Hosting educational sessions and workshops to share actionable wildfire preparedness tips.
- Program Coordination: Aligning regional efforts to ensure a unified approach to wildfire safety.
Why FireSmart Matters
Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. With Sara’s leadership, the MD and the Town are committed to providing the education and tools necessary to empower residents to take proactive steps in protecting their property.
Get Involved
Do you have questions about how to FireSmart your home? Are you interested in a free home assessment? We encourage all residents to reach out to Sara and learn more about our ongoing initiatives.
780.805.6563
firesmart@mdlsr.ca
Being FireSmart means living with, and managing for, wildfire on our landscape.
FireSmart activities such as tree thinning, clearing and pruning occur at a regional level around a community to help reduce the risk of a wildfire entering the community. FireSmart also involves simple actions a homeowner can take to help decrease wildfire damage to their home and property.
The greatest wildfire threats to homeowners are the transfer of wildfire from house to house (direct heat) and ignition from ember showers. An ember shower is when large embers are thrown from a wildfire and carried into the air. Fifty percent (50%) of the homes burned from wildfires are started by sparks and embers.
While FireSmart cannot totally remove the threat of damage from a wildfire, property loss can be significantly reduced by performing FireSmart activities.
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