June 2025 Update

Terrace is well-positioned to start preparing for the threat of wildfires in our community and pursue next steps to help residents mitigate wildfire danger.

The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) identifies Terrace as a low to moderate wildfire risk. That's not bad, but nothing to get complacent about.

When the CWRP was presented to City Council on Tuesday, June 17, Councillors asked the following questions

1. How is the FireSmart program and FireSmart Coordinator role funded? Who is applying for the grants?"
The FireSmart program and position is funded through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The City of Terrace's Fire Chief/Emergency Coordinator applies for the grant.

2. Why are private residences NOT shown on the figures/maps?
UBCM requires the CWRP to only show public land.

3. How will staff accomplish directives identified in the CWRP, with the constraints of limited staffing and budget limits.
In the first year of the Terrace FireSmart program, we have focused on education and prevention. Once the CWRP is approved by UBCM, we will start to address mitigation and fuel management within the community.

4. Does city staff train for emergency scenarios specific to wildfire? Do we have unified command?
The Terrace Fire Department engages with BC Wildfire Service for ongoing training. Additionally, Terrace Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services and the RCMP participate in Unified Command and practice wildfire scenarios regularly.

The CWRP is now being reviewed by a Prevention Officer at BC Wildfire Service as well as the Union of BC Municipalities.

Once approved, the City of Terrace will be able to apply for a second year of FireSmart funding. We hope the CWRP will be approved this summer, and we can apply for the second year of funding in the fall of 2025.

Next steps after that, include the continuation of public education and FireSmart events, as well as offering support for homeowners to FireSmart their properties.