The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is now offering FireSmart Homeowner Rebates of up to $3,000 for properties located within the Village of Sayward.
The rebates help homeowners complete wildfire mitigation work within 30 metres of their home, based on recommendations from a FireSmart Home Assessment. Research shows that up to 90% of homes damaged or destroyed in wildfires ignite from wind-blown embers, which can travel several kilometres from the main fire.
“In 2023, embers from the West Kelowna wildfire blew 2.5 kilometres across Okanagan Lake, sparking multiple new fires on the opposite shore,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “This shows how far embers can travel and how vulnerable any community can be. The FireSmart Homeowner Rebate gives residents a real opportunity to take proactive steps to protect their homes.”
Eligible activities within the 30-metre zone may include cleaning gutters, removing flammable vegetation, and upgrading to fire-resistant siding, windows, or roofing materials.
The program is first-come, first-served and funded through the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) FireSmart Community and Funding Supports grant. Rebates cover 50% of eligible costs—for instance, a $1,000 project qualifies for a $500 rebate, while $6,000 or more in eligible work qualifies for the maximum $3,000 rebate.
More information is available here.
