Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of B.C. help Basin communities reduce wildfire risk

Communities across the Columbia Basin are taking concrete steps to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen local resilience thanks to more than $3 million in support provided through a partnership between the Province of British Columbia and Columbia Basin Trust.

Guided by FireSmart principles, 23 organizations are putting practical measures in place—from managing wildfire fuels to educating residents—to help keep people, homes and community spaces safer.

“Projects like these help communities stay healthy, act proactively and adapt to the realities of a changing climate,” said Kris Belanger, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “This includes managing fuels, planning how to respond if a wildfire hits, or helping residents understand what they can do to reduce risk around their own properties.”

The program is tailored specifically to the Columbia Basin and is one component of the Province of B.C.’s Community Resiliency Investment Program. The Ministry of Forests, BC Wildfire Service and Columbia Basin Trust are partners in delivering this support.

“In partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, we are doing the work needed to ensure healthier, more resilient forests that better protect communities from wildfires,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “With the 2026 wildfire season on the horizon, it is never too late to take action to reduce fuel loads and help prepare our forests while also protecting watersheds, biodiversity and wildlife.”

Funding helps communities take a range of actions, such as hiring FireSmart coordinators, preparing fuel-treatment plans, carrying out on-the-ground fuel management and providing FireSmart training

Below are three examples of projects underway. See list of all projects below.

Invermere prepares fuel treatment plans and reduces risk in high-priority areas

The District of Invermere is planning ahead by developing fuel-management prescriptions for 56 hectares of hillside terrain that borders neighbourhoods, access routes and local recreation areas. It will also reduce wildfire fuel on about 17 hectares within the town limits. These steps help the community move quickly when treatment opportunities arise.

“By completing prescription development, archaeological assessments and invasive species surveys ahead of time, the District of Invermere can move directly into treatment when opportunities arise,” said Cass Dearlove, FireSmart Coordinator. “Alongside treating 17 hectares, the goal is to reduce wildfire risk in high-priority interface zones, improve public and responder safety, and protect community values.”

Appledale creates a wildfire-resilient demonstration garden

In the Slocan Valley, the Appledale Progressive Association and Slocan Integral Forestry Cooperative (SIFCo) are creating a demonstration garden at the Appledale Community Hall. The garden will feature interpretive signage, plant ID tags and open-house events that show residents how landscaping choices can reduce flammability around structures.

“The installation of a wildfire demonstration garden provides the community with a FireSmart educational resource and fills gaps in local knowledge on wildfire risk reduction,” said Michelle Griffiths, Project Coordinator, SIFCo.

“It will also reduce flammability next to the hall, which serves as a gathering space during natural disasters.”

Casino reduces wildfire fuel near homes and common areas

South of Trail, the community of Casino is reducing wildfire fuel across four hectares of forest near homes and well-used public spaces such as the hall, playground and pickleball court.

The Casino Recreation Society is coordinating the work and sharing updates with residents through signage and email updates.

“The many acres of heavily treed, overgrown forest—bordering multiple home properties, our hall and our park—pose a serious risk to our community in the event of a wildfire,” said Shelby Loeppky, President.

“This project will bolster fire defences for neighbouring property owners and the wider community while we continue work on our personal properties to FireSmart them.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: The District of Invermere is preparing fuel‑management plans and reducing wildfire fuel in high‑priority areas that border neighbourhoods and recreation trails. Columbia Basin Trust photos

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