COQUITLAM, B.C., Feb. 17, 2022 – Coquitlam residents living in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area of northeast Coquitlam have until Thursday, March 17 to get a free FireSmart home assessment conducted by a local FireSmart Representative.
Important Deadlines
- First assessment must be completed by Thursday, March 17.
- To receive grant funding, mitigation work must be completed by by Friday, April 29.
- There is no requirement for property owners to follow the advice, but financial support is available for seniors (aged 65 and over) who want to make the recommended changes.
- Final assessment after mitigation work must be completed by Tuesday, May 31.
Apply for Free Assessment Online
Residents can use an online map at www.northeastsector.ca to determine if their home is in the WUI area and eligible for the assessment. Then complete the online application form –choosing an available date and time for an assessment – and a representative from the City will reach out to applicants to arrange the appointment. Interested residents can also call 604-927-6334 or email firesmart@northeastsector.ca.
Wildfire Home Hazard Assessments
WUI areas – where development meets natural areas – are at a higher risk for wildfires. In 2021 Coquitlam, along with the city of Port Coquitlam and the villages of Anmore and Belcarra, received a grant from the B.C.’s FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund to develop a sub-regional approach to wildfire prevention in the northeast sector. FireSmart ambassadors visited neighbourhoods in the WUI areas in the fall of 2021 and provided homeowners with information to book fire-safety assessments.
Property owners play an important role in reducing the risk to their homes and neighbourhoods by taking steps such as removing potential fuel sources and choosing fire-resistant building materials. The program goal is to help homeowners to adopt practices that reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and property. Information on fire prevention in a WUI can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/interfacefire.
Media contact:
Jim Ogloff, Fire Chief
Coquitlam Fire / Rescue
604-927-6400
firerescue@coquitlam.ca