Summer 2026 Newsletter
Hello from your friends at FireSmart! 🦊
As the weather continues to warm and Canada enters peak wildfire season, preparation remains one of the most important ways we can help protect our homes, neighbourhoods, and communities. After three consecutive severe wildfire seasons, this summer will be another important reminder that small, practical actions taken now can make a meaningful difference later. Read on for some important updates and to learn what you can do now to reduce risk. | An Important Update to the
Neighbourhood Recognition Program FireSmart neighbourhoods across Canada continue to show what’s possible when everyone works together to reduce risk. In 2025, 101 new neighbourhoods were recognized through the Neighbourhood Recognition Program (NRP), with the Yukon and Northwest Territories having their first-ever neighbourhoods recognized. For other regions, BC had 80, Alberta had 14, Nova Scotia had 3, and Manitoba had 2. To support this growing network, we’re making some updates to the NRP, with changes expected to launch in November: - A new and upgraded program portal.
- A tiered recognition structure.
- Updated participation requirements*
More information will be shared closer to launch, but summer is a great time to start getting organized. By starting now, neighbourhoods can build momentum, complete key steps, and get prepared for the NRP Incentive application window when it opens on November 1. *The new NRP participation requirements will not be implemented until the 2027 recognition period and will not affect your ability to be recognized in 2026. | A Closer Look at Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Thank you to everyone who took part in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (Prep Day) back on May 2! This year, 366 neighbourhoods were awarded funding to complete local projects that help reduce wildfire risk and build stronger, more prepared communities. From large-scale clean-up events to education initiatives, these projects show what’s possible when people come together to make a difference. Did your community take part in Prep Day this year? Don’t forget to submit your photos to the 2026 Prep Day Photo Contest at the link below! It’s the perfect way to share your hard work, celebrate your community, and inspire others to get involved. Learn More | Your FireSmart Checklist:
Summer Edition Summer conditions can change quickly. That’s why proactive actions around your home make a huge difference, reducing wildfire risk before conditions become difficult or potentially hazardous. Use this checklist to start at your home and work outward, tackling the areas that matter most. Immediate Zone Tasks (0-1.5m from Your Home): This is the most critical area to maintain throughout wildfire season. - Remove dry leaves, pine needles, small branches, and other flammable materials from your roof and gutters.
- Check under decks and balconies to locate combustible items such as stored wood, cardboard, and dry yard waste. Remove these items by responsibly discarding them or moving them inside.
- Inspect exterior vents and screens for gaps or damage that could allow embers to enter your home.
Immediate Zone Tasks (1.5-10m from Your Home): In this area, the goal is to reduce fuel and create space between anything that could burn. - Keep grass mowed to 10cm or less, and, in accordance with water restrictions, keep your lawn watered where possible.
- Replace bark mulch with gravel, rock, or other fire-resistant materials.
- Prune all tree branches to at least 2m from the ground to reduce ladder fuels.
Other Summer Reminders Planning some summer fun? Here are some tips to stay safe. - Keep your barbecue clean and never leave it unattended. Always ensure it’s used at a safe distance from your home, deck railings, overhangs, and other combustibles.
- Follow all campfire bans. If you’re having a campfire, ensure it’s fully extinguished before leaving by completing the following steps: drown, stir, and drown again.
- Heading away for vacation? Mow your lawn, clear your gutters, and remove combustible materials close to your home.
Small steps add up. Taking the time to complete these tasks now can make a meaningful difference throughout wildfire season.
See More Tips & Tricks | Myth Busting:
If There’s No Visible Wildfire
Close By, Your Home Is Safe It’s easy to assume you’ll see a wildfire before it becomes a threat to your home. But during an active wildfire, homes can be at risk long before the flames are visible or near the property. That’s because of embers, the leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires. These airborne pieces of burning debris can be carried up to 2km by the wind, travelling far ahead of the fire and collecting in places like gutters, vents, decks, dry grass, and other potentially combustible areas around your home. It’s why the Immediate Zone tasks outlined above are so important. Keeping this area clear of debris helps significantly reduce the risk of embers igniting your home. Actions in the Intermediate and Extended Zones are also important, and most are not complicated or difficult to complete.
See the Home Ignition Zones | Grants & Resources Funding opportunities, such as rebates and grant programs, may be available to help support FireSmart activities in your community. Availability, eligibility, deadlines, and other details may vary by location, so we encourage residents and community leaders to reach out to their municipality, Local FireSmart Representative, or provincial/territorial liaison for more information. Some funding streams that support wildfire resilience, emergency preparedness, infrastructure improvements, and climate adaptation projects include: Keep an eye out for additional application details, and consider using the summer months to identify potential projects, gather information, and prepare for your application.
| Some Final Reminders While there aren't any major summer program deadlines at this time, wildfire season is an important time to stay aware, prepared, and ready to act. If you're looking for an effective way to prepare your property, download the FireSmart Begins at Home app to assess your home and review your emergency plan. For neighbourhoods working toward 2026 NRP recognition, summer is also an ideal time to make progress on your program requirements before the application window opens on November 1. Before heading outdoors or starting any yard work, check local fire bans and restrictions in your area. Conditions can change quickly, and following local guidance helps keep you, your neighbours, and your community safe. Get the FireSmart Begins at Home App | That's all from us! Keep an eye out for the September newsletter, where we'll share important updates on the NRP, application dates, and other important information to help you build wildfire resilience. | Want to receive FireSmart Canada newsletters directly to your inbox? Subscribe here! | | | | |
.jpg?1746468283312)
