Mayor’s Monthly Editorial (July 2025)

By David Wilks

As wildfires continue to pose a growing threat across British Columbia, the District of Sparwood remains committed to protecting our community through proactive, practical and community-driven solutions. One of the most important tools we have in this effort is the FireSmart BC program.

FireSmart is more than just a set of guidelines — it’s a proven approach to reducing wildfire risk around homes, neighbourhoods and entire communities. By making small, manageable changes to our properties and understanding how fire behaves, we can significantly improve our resilience to wildfire events.

This summer, we’re taking our FireSmart efforts to the next level.

Starting this month, Paul Grismer, the FireSmart Coordinator for the District of Sparwood, will be going door-to-door throughout the community. Paul will be sharing valuable information, answering questions and helping residents understand how they can take simple steps to protect their homes and properties. Whether it’s clearing debris from gutters, spacing out vegetation, or understanding ember zones, these conversations are a great opportunity to learn and take action.

In addition to the canvassing, I would like to invite all residents to a FireSmart Open House at the Sparwood Recreation Centre on Thursday, August 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

This will be an informative and engaging evening where we’ll cover the FireSmart 101 program, explore how it connects with our local initiatives and discuss what it means for Sparwood.

The Open House will be a great chance to meet your neighbours, ask questions and learn directly from our FireSmart team. If you’re interested in receiving a FireSmart 101 certificate, please bring a phone, tablet, or laptop so you can log in and complete the program online.

While this isn’t required to attend, it’s a great way to deepen your understanding and take home a tangible recognition of your commitment to wildfire safety. Can’t make it, or interested in doing more? Sign up for a FireSmart BC Home Assessment, where a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist comes to your home and provides a free detailed report including specific mitigation actions to help protect your home from wildfire.

During the assessment, they will discuss wildfire behaviour dynamics and the ways wildfire could affect your home. Your assessment is private and confidential. The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and FireSmart BC only share details of the assessment with you. Learn more or sign up today.

Together, we can make Sparwood a safer, more resilient community. I encourage everyone to take part — whether it’s by chatting with Paul at your doorstep, attending the open house, or simply making a few changes around your home. Every action counts and your involvement makes a difference.

You can learn more about FireSmart in Sparwood by visiting our website at sparwood.ca/firesmart, where you’ll find helpful resources, tips, and updates on our local efforts.

Let’s continue to work together to keep Sparwood strong, safe and FireSmart.

– David Wilks is Mayor of the District of Sparwood

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