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Wildfire Mitigation
What is the Town of Gibsons Doing to Reduce Wildfire Risk?
With hotter, drier summers becoming more common and wildfires affecting communities across British Columbia, many residents have asked what the Town of Gibsons is doing to reduce wildfire risk—and what they can do to help.
Reducing Wildfire Risk on Town Lands
The Town is actively reducing wildfire risk on public lands through urban forest management and FireSmart mitigation.
The Town’s Urban Forest Plan guides how trees and natural areas are managed to create a healthier, more resilient urban forest. As climate change brings hotter, drier conditions and increases stress from pests and disease, the Plan helps the Town make decisions that reduce wildfire risk while protecting the long-term health of Gibsons’ urban forest.
Actions already underway include:
- Promoting the use of climate-resilient and lower-flammability tree and plant species in municipal landscaping.
- Monitoring the health of Town trees to identify those affected by drought, pests or disease before they become hazards.
- Considering wildfire risk when managing public forests, trails and green infrastructure.
- Incorporating FireSmart principles into the management of Town parks and natural spaces.
The Town is also developing a Tree Risk Inspection Policy which will guide the management of trees on Town-owned lands, including parks and boulevards. The policy will incorporate wildfire risk considerations alongside public safety and environmental stewardship.
Supporting Regional FireSmart and Emergency Preparedness
The Town also supports regional wildfire preparedness through the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP), which is led by the SCRD in partnership with the Town of Gibsons, the District of Sechelt and shíshálh Nation.
By planning, training and responding together, the region is better equipped to manage large-scale emergencies and coordinate resources when they are needed most.
As part of SCEP, the SCRD delivers the FireSmart program. The program is available to all residents of the Sunshine Coast, and helps homeowners reduce wildfire risk through public education, community outreach and practical mitigation measures.
What You Can Do
While the Sunshine Coast emergency response partners are prepared to respond, personal preparedness is equally important. Residents can take simple steps now to ensure they and their families are ready if an emergency or evacuation occurs.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Book a free FireSmart home assessment.
- Remove combustible materials from around their homes.
- Keep roofs, gutters and decks free of leaves and needles.
- Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the spread of fire.
- Follow local fire bans and restrictions.
- Prepare an emergency plan and emergency kit for your household.
Together, these actions help reduce wildfire risk and make our neighbourhoods safer and more resilient.
Learn More
To learn more about FireSmart, book a free home assessment or access wildfire preparedness resources, visit the Sunshine Coast FireSmart program.
You can also learn more about emergency preparedness, including how to prepare your household for emergencies, through the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program.
Stay informed with Voyent Alert
Residents are asked to register for the SCRD’s Voyent Alert emergency notification system. More information can be found at www.scrd.ca/alert-system.
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