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FireSmart Communities

Working Together to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense across Alberta. While we cannot prevent every wildfire, we can take meaningful steps to reduce the risk to our homes, properties, and communities. The Summer Village Regional Emergency Management Partnership (SVREMP) is committed to promoting FireSmart™ principles throughout our member municipalities. FireSmart is a nationally recognized, science-based program that helps homeowners, businesses, and communities prepare for and reduce the impacts of wildfires. Preparedness begins long before wildfire season. By making simple improvements around your property and understanding your role in emergency preparedness, you can help protect your family, neighbours, and community. Whether you live here year-round or enjoy your property seasonally, everyone has a role to play.

Why FireSmart Matters

Many people believe homes are destroyed by a wall of flames. In reality, most homes lost during a wildfire ignite from wind-blown embers that can travel several kilometres ahead of the fire. These embers can ignite:
  • Roofs
  • Decks
  • Wood piles
  • Dry grass
  • Leaves in gutters
  • Mulch and landscaping
  • Sheds and fences
Fortunately, these risks can often be reduced through simple FireSmart practices. Communities where residents work together to reduce wildfire hazards are better prepared and recover more quickly after emergencies.

The Home Ignition Zone

The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is the area within 30 metres of your home. This is where the most effective FireSmart improvements can be made.

Immediate Zone (0–1.5 metres)

This is the most critical area around your home. Recommended actions:
  • Remove combustible materials.
  • Replace flammable mulch with gravel or stone.
  • Keep decks free of leaves and debris.
  • Store firewood away from buildings.
  • Keep propane cylinders clear of vegetation.

Intermediate Zone (1.5–10 metres)

Reduce the opportunity for fire to spread.
  • Trim trees regularly.
  • Prune branches up from the ground.
  • Remove dead shrubs and brush.
  • Space trees appropriately.
  • Keep lawns healthy and mowed.

Extended Zone (10–30 metres)

Slow the movement of wildfire toward your home.
  • Remove deadfall.
  • Thin dense vegetation.
  • Separate tree canopies.
  • Maintain access routes.
  • Remove hazardous fuels where appropriate.

FireSmart Checklist

Every homeowner can make a difference.
  • Clean roofs and gutters regularly
  • Remove leaves and pine needles
  • Trim tree branches away from roofs
  • Keep grass short
  • Remove dead vegetation
  • Store propane and firewood safely
  • Maintain visible civic address signage
  • Prepare an emergency kit
  • Know evacuation routes
  • Stay informed during wildfire season

Seasonal Property Owners

Many properties within the SVREMP region are seasonal homes or cottages. Before leaving your property:
  • Shut off propane if appropriate.
  • Remove combustible materials from decks.
  • Store outdoor cushions indoors.
  • Clean gutters.
  • Remove fallen branches.
  • Mow grass before departing.
  • Ensure neighbours know how to contact you.
Even when you’re away, FireSmart practices help reduce wildfire risk.

Emergency Preparedness

Every household should be prepared to leave on short notice. Prepare an emergency kit containing:
  • Drinking water
  • Food
  • Prescription medications
  • Important documents
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Clothing
  • Pet supplies
  • First aid kit
Plan:
  • Two evacuation routes
  • Family meeting locations
  • Emergency contacts
  • Transportation for pets and livestock

Community FireSmart Initiatives

SVREMP supports regional wildfire preparedness by encouraging member municipalities to:
  • Promote FireSmart education
  • Conduct public awareness campaigns
  • Encourage homeowner participation
  • Support vegetation management projects
  • Collaborate with Alberta Wildfire
  • Integrate wildfire planning into emergency management programs
  • Share regional emergency information
  • Explore FireSmart funding opportunities
Building wildfire resilience is a shared responsibility between residents, municipalities, emergency responders, and provincial partners.

Funding Opportunities

Provincial funding programs are periodically available to help municipalities improve wildfire resilience. Funding may support:
  • Community wildfire risk assessments
  • Vegetation management
  • Public education
  • Community preparedness
  • FireSmart planning
  • Training
  • Community recognition
SVREMP will continue to share information about funding opportunities as they become available.

Stay Informed

During wildfire season, stay informed by:
  • Monitoring Alberta Wildfire updates
  • Following local municipal communications
  • Watching for emergency alerts
  • Knowing your evacuation routes
  • Preparing early—not when an evacuation order is issued
Being informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your community.

Together We Build Resilient Communities

Wildfire preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. By embracing FireSmart principles, maintaining our properties, preparing our families, and supporting one another, we can reduce wildfire risk and strengthen the resilience of every community within the Summer Village Regional Emergency Management Partnership.

Small actions today can make a significant difference tomorrow.

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