2024-Nov-19
Apply for $500 to Fund a Wildfire Prevention Project or Event
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is observed annually on the first Saturday in May. Communities are encouraged to host events and work on projects that raise awareness of wildfire risk and develop strategies to increase resilience to it.
Groups can apply for a $500 award to fund a Wildfire Community Preparedness event or project that can take place any time between May and October 2024. FireSmart Canada in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), Co-operators and the Provincial and Territorial wildfire agencies are supporting this annual event by sponsoring the $500 award.
In 2024, 378 neighborhoods and groups received funding in 2024 across 10 provinces and two territories including four GBA associations. For some inspiration, here’s what they did with the funding:
- Bay of Islands Community Association made a donation to the NEMI Volunteer Fire Department as an expression of thanks for the two Saturdays they spent training community members on how to use fire pumps, and essential fire prevention measures.
- Pointe au Baril Islanders Association held a ‘Start your Fire Pump Contest’ awarding five $100 prizes to members who sent photos of themselves testing their fire pumps.
- South Channel Association held a session on maintaining a fire zone and bought tree trimmers for association members to borrow.
- Woods Bay Community Association held two workshops, at their AGM and their Regatta, to review FireSmart safety tips and practice using firehoses. They also purchased some additional hoses to beef up their fire fighting supplies.
Neighbourhoods, community associations, fire departments, Indigenous communities, as well as individuals can submit their applications until January 31, 2025. The Prep Day Toolkit has more great resources to “spark” some ideas and help promote your project or event!
More information on this grant opportunity can be found here.