Latest news with #WildfireCommunityPreparednessDay
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Celebrating 10 years of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day! Français
WINNIPEG, MB , May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - FireSmart TM Canada is excited to announce that Wildfire Community Preparedness Day returns on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with the highest number of community events scheduled in program history! This national event encourages neighbourhoods across the country to come together to reduce the risk of wildland fire in their communities, one project at a time. Thanks to the continued support from Co-operators, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), and wildland fire agencies across Canada, individuals were invited to apply for a $500 award to help implement FireSmart principles in their community and reduce their shared wildland fire risk. The popularity of this program continues to grow! In its tenth year FireSmart Canada received a record number of applications and awarded the highest number of events, reflecting a growing commitment to wildland fire preparedness nationwide. In 2024, 381 communities from all provinces and two territories received awards. In 2025, FireSmart Canada received a record 466 applications, resulting in 404 communities awarded funding to host preparedness events between May and October. "Every year we see more and more communities stepping up and taking action, and that's what Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is all about. It's not just about reducing risk, it's about building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods that are ready to face the risks of wildland fire together," said Lisa Walker, Director of Resiliency and Partnerships at the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. "As a co-operative and an insurer, we're in the business of protecting our communities which requires a partnership in which insurance companies, emergency responders, property owners, and community leaders each play a crucial role", noted Maya Milardovic, Associate Vice President of Government Relations for Co-operators. "On the tenth anniversary of WCPD, we are proud communities across the country are participating in record numbers." From clearing flammable debris away from structures to hosting FireSmart educational events, past recipients have found creative ways to build up both their community and property level wildland fire resilience. To-date, hundreds of communities have taken proactive steps toward wildland fire preparedness, from coast to coast. For more information, and to get involved in future FireSmart events, visit Media contact: Alexandria Jones Communications Manager The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre [email protected] Co-operators Media Relations [email protected] About FireSmart TM Canada FireSmart Canada™ is a program committed to helping Canadians reduce their wildland fire risk and become resilient to wildland fire through community-based solutions. Through publications, programs, outreach training, and workshops, FireSmart Canada provides tools for Canadians to be pro-active in preparing their homes, properties and neighborhoods for the threat of wildland fire. FireSmart Canada operates under a mandate from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, and is supported by federal, provincial, and territorial wildland fire management agencies and partners with municipal governments and the private sector. For more information visit About Co-operators Proudly Canadian since 1945, Co-operators is a leading financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. With more than $71 billion in assets under administration, Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co-operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co-operators is recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and ranked as one of Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. About ICLR Established in 1998 by Canada's property and casualty insurers, ICLR is an independent, not-for-profit research institute based in Toronto and at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. ICLR is a centre of excellence for disaster loss prevention research and education. ICLR's research staff is internationally recognized for pioneering work in a number of fields including wind and seismic engineering, atmospheric sciences, water resources engineering and economics. Multi-disciplined research is a foundation for ICLR's work to build communities more resilient to disasters. Visit
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters in East Bay prepare for wildfire season
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) — As temperatures rise and vegetation dries, Contra Costa County is gearing up for fire season with preparations underway to clear fire trails near Brentwood and Antioch. Firefighters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District are actively clearing dry vegetation from fire trails, which are crucial for emergency access during wildfires. Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh emphasizes the importance of maintaining these trails year-round, with efforts intensifying in late April and early May. 'We just know right around the corner is gonna be the hot and heavy parts of the fire season,' said Wildland Battalion Chief Tom Zurflueh. 'Fires don't always happen next to roads. They can happen anywhere and so to have fire trails we can access,' Zurflueh added. San Jose engineer pleads guilty to bombing PG&E transformers 'If the fires were to come through here and hit this they would essentially be stopped. We're hoping to minimize the spread of fires,' Zurflueh explained. 'Fire doesn't just burn homes — it impacts infrastructure within a community. So, we're trying to do what we can to help reduce that impact.' The fire protection district manages and maintains up to 400 miles of fire trails, ensuring they are clear for emergency use. This work not only creates fire breaks but also provides paths for firefighters to access areas during wildfires. With conditions drying out, Confire's hand crew is conducting controlled burns to reduce fuel loads by clearing vegetation piles in rural areas and near homes. These efforts are part of the preparations leading up to Confire's Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. The public event is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Fire Protection District's Training and Safety Division in Concord on Treat Boulevard. Attendees will learn about weed abatement deadlines, tips on defensible spacing, and receive emergency go-bags. All facts from this article were gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KRON4 staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
City to proclaim May 3 as Wildfire Preparedness Day
HONOLULU (KHON2) — With wildfire risks on the rise across Hawaii, Honolulu leaders are coming together to raise awareness and promote community action. Kauai councilmember sounding 'emergency alarm' on coconut rhinoceros beetles On Tuesday, April 29, city officials will officially proclaim May 3 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. The announcement will take place at 11 a.m. and will include remarks from Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Chief of Staff Andy Sugg, along with representatives from the Honolulu Fire Department, the Department of Emergency Management, and the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The proclamation aims to encourage residents to work together in reducing wildfire risks in neighborhoods across the island. Officials said it's a timely reminder as dry conditions and warmer weather increase the potential for dangerous information on wildfire safety and preparedness efforts can be found on the HFD website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
