Canadians can now apply for funding to support their local Wildfire Community Preparedness Day activities, and join municipalities from coast to coast in a national effort to reduce wildfire risk to local communities. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is an annual, national program, launched by FireSmart Canada in collaboration with The Co-operators, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR). Individuals, fire departments, organizations, community groups and municipalities are invited to submit applications to receive $500 for projects to help protect their communities from wildfire. In 2019, a total of $60,500 was awarded to applicants across Canada; in 2020, 150 groups or communities will receive $500 toward wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts.

The application period is open until January 17, 2020. Successful applicants can use funding from May 2 through October 2020 to host Wildfire Community Preparedness Day events that raise awareness of wildfire risk, help protect homes, and encourage neighbourhoods to improve wildfire resiliency through FireSmart activities, including proper maintenance and clearing of dead or combustible vegetation, and wildfire-resilient landscaping. To learn more about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day and to submit an application for funding, click here.