West 91大黄鸭 Fire Chief Jason Brolund emphasized the importance of a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) during a report to council on Dec. 10.
While presenting the 2025 plan he showed council an image showing wildfires around the community dating back 100 years. 鈥淚t says exactly why we need to have this plan,鈥� Brolund added. 鈥淭here is no doubt that we are very prone to wildfires both large and small. This type of planning we are undertaking is very important.鈥�
Image showing historical wildfires in West 91大黄鸭 dating back to 1922. Image | City of West 91大黄鸭
The plan builds on previous efforts, including the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) adopted in 2018. The update was developed with input from local experts, community feedback, and lessons learned from past wildfires.
In his report, Brolund noted that the city has been proactive in wildfire mitigation since its first CWPP in 2009. Initiatives have included public education, grants for private land fuel management, and partnerships with organizations like BC Wildfire Service. Efforts have also focused on installing fire danger monitoring systems, supporting advanced firefighting techniques, and FireSmart programs.
Broulund said public engagement on the 2025 CWRP was impressive. 鈥淭he public was very support of the plan and what was proposed,鈥� he said, adding that 69 per cent who responded to survey had made changes to landscaping around their homes to reduce fire risk through the FireSmart program.
The 2025 plan assesses wildfire risks within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), where forests meet residential areas. Key outcomes include 28 action items and 72 fuel management areas covering nearly 1,000 hectares. These measures aim to reduce wildfire intensity and improve fire suppression safety. Critical infrastructure at 18 sites has been evaluated for further mitigation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 uber comprehensive and scary at the same time just in the scope of work that needs to be completed,鈥� Councillor Jason Friesen noted.
By adopting the plan, the city ensures eligibility for provincial grants and funding needed for its implementation. The 2025 FireSmart program is set to launch in spring.
鈥淭he ultimate outcome of the plan is achievable action items that can be implemented over the next five years and likely beyond that,鈥� Brolund said.
