The communities of Traders Cove and Wilson's Landing were the hardest hit when the McDougall Creek wildfire tore through the Westside in August 2023.

At least 100 homes in that area were destroyed, including those of 14 members of the Wilson's Landing Fire Department.

On April 26, Traders Cove, Pine Point, Wilson's Landing - Westside Place and Wilson鈥檚 Landing - Browse Road area were all recognized as FireSmart Neighbourhoods. Shelter Cove achieved this status for a second year.

Community representatives received the official signs for each community.

鈥淐ongrats to all the community champions for their hard work and focus on FireSmart,鈥� Marianne Dahl, VP of the Wilson鈥檚 Landing Firefighters Association said in a media release. 鈥淲e are so proud of how dedicated and resilient our communities have been. It鈥檚 inspiring knowing our neighbours are doing this work to protect us all in the future.鈥�

Blanche Beda, Director of Wilson Landing and Communities Society, said that they are organizing the 3rd Annual Community FireSmart Clean-up or the weekend of May 3-4. 

There are extended hours both days and extra yard waste bins at the Traders Cove Transfer station. FireSmart yard waste bins will be located in the community at Jenny Creek, Wilson's Landing - Browse Rd area and Wilson's Landing - Westside Place.  Shelter Cove schedules its clean-up for the May long weekend.

United Way BC provided a Local Love grant to support the event.

For more information on FireSmart visit the .