Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program (Community Wildfire Resilience)
The Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program refers to the implementation of FireSmart principles across PEI's municipalities and rural communities. The program involves community-led resilience through wildfire risk planning, project selection, and the implementation of mitigation initiatives.
A Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan helps communities prepare for and reduce the risks associated with wildfires. Working within the provincial FireSmart Program, the plan identifies local wildfire hazards, recommends practical mitigation actions, and supports community-wide resilience efforts. It also promotes FireSmart practices that help homeowners better protect their properties, creating a safer and more wildfire-resilient community.
The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to providing funding and resources to communities with an approved Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan to help implement identified wildfire mitigation projects and improve community resilience.
On this page:
- What are the steps to create and implement a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan?
- What does my Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan need to include?
- What are community-based wildfire prevention and mitigation projects?
- How do I get a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan developed for my community?
- What might my Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan look like for my community?
- How can I learn more about FireSmart?
What are the steps to create and implement a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan?
- Assembling your local FireSmart committee: Establish a local FireSmart Neighborhood Committee and FireSmart Community Champion.
- Hazard Identification: Conduct a hazard risk assessment for your community
- Designing an engagement strategy: Build an outreach plan for community and stakeholder involvement and host a FireSmart Education Event
- The committee develops and implements the plan: FireSmart Specialists with the provincial government will help guide you through the process and identify appropriate mitigation projects that align with your community goals.
What does my Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan need to include?
- Plan purpose: A clear statement outlining the core objectives and overall intent of the plan
- Collaborators & Stakeholders: A breakdown of all participating partners and contributing organizations
- Community Map: A detailed description of the geographic zone, land features, and fire risk mapping
- Hazard and Risk Assessment: A summary of the area's specific wildfire vulnerabilities and exposure levels
- Mitigation Projects: Actionable prevention and mitigation strategies that clearly integrate one or more FireSmart disciplines
What are community-based wildfire prevention and mitigation projects?
Community-based Wildfire Mitigation Projects focus on identifying and managing risks to protect important assets from the impacts of fire; this includes human life, property, and critical infrastructure.
Key examples of prevention and mitigation initiatives include:
- Wildfire fuel management: Planned, strategic clearing and reduction of flammable vegetation in high-risk areas
- Public education: Community outreach and workshops designed to build local awareness and preparedness
- Community Planning & Policy Tools: Development of local frameworks, land-use guidelines, and municipal policies to enhance long-term resilience.
How do I get a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan developed for my community?
If you are interested in a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for your municipality or community, please reach out to Forests, Fish and Wildlife at firesmart@gov.pe.ca. Our FireSmart team will work with you to develop a plan prior to beginning mitigation activities.
Please note that communities and municipalities with an established CWRP will receive priority consideration when applying for Community-based Wildfire Prevention/Mitigation Project funding.
What might my Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan look like for my community?
Please click here to see an example of the information that could be included in a CWRP.
How can I learn more about FireSmart?
Please visit FireSmart Canada, or contact PEI's FireSmart team at:
firesmart@gov.pe.ca
902-368-4683