The Levirs Avenue neighbourhood in Swan Sub, Kimberley continues to demonstrate its commitment to wildfire preparedness through ongoing participation in the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program.

First accepted into the program in 2022, residents have since completed wildfire hazard assessments on their properties and implemented mitigation projects such as removing fine fuels, relocating firewood piles away from structures, and clearing needles from roofs.

Following its acceptance into the program, the Levirs Ave FireSmart Neighbourhood Committee was formed.

Neighbourhood Champion Todd Larsen explains the importance of their work: “Levirs Ave backs onto the Kimberley Nature Park, which makes managing wildfire risk an essential part of being good neighbours to both the community and the forest.”

In 2024, residents undertook a major cleanup, renting a disposal bin and filling it with branches, old lumber, and other combustible materials collected from local backyards.

In the summer of 2025, the City of Kimberley carried out contractor work behind Levirs Avenue to remove saplings. The goal of this work is to mechanically replicate the natural effects of low-intensity fire by removing smaller trees and surface fuels. This approach enhances forest health, improves aesthetics, and reduces wildfire intensity by increasing shade and humidity.

Piles created during this treatment will cure for at least one year before being burned under safe conditions. Once pile burning is complete, the area will be ready for a prescribed burn to further reduce surface fuels. The city pursued this work in part because of the proactive FireSmart efforts already completed on private properties along Levirs Avenue—a strong example of how resident-led mitigation can support and accelerate broader community projects.

November 2 FireSmart Event

On November 2, the Levirs Ave group hosted a FireSmart information event focused on neighbourhood wildfire preparedness.

Trevor Knight from the Kimberley Fire Department presented on wildfire risk in local communities, noting that “Kimberley is ranked as having a high risk of wildfire impacts.”

Knight emphasized that while neighbourhoods bordering forested areas are at higher risk, embers from wildfires can travel long distances: “Embers can contribute to fire starts on houses in the centre of communities,” he noted, highlighting the importance of all residents identifying and addressing potential ignition points on their homes and properties.

FireSmart provided food, resources, and promotional items for the event. Participants discussed the FireSmart program, home assessments, neighbourhood-specific wildfire hazards, and further mitigation options.
Local resident Jeff Rees shared his experience, saying, “I trimmed the bush around my house and not only does it reduce the threat of fire, it also makes my deck look bigger!”

The FireSmart Program continues to provide Levirs Ave residents with valuable resources, education, and local contacts to support their ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk within the community.

Lead image:  Trevor Knight from the Kimberley Fire Department speaking to the Levirs Ave group about FireSmart. BBQ food and resources provided by FireSmart. Photos by Todd Larsen

Levirs Ave FireSmart Neighbourhood Committee

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