A simple spark can cause wildfires. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. Below is some information and links on what you can do to help reduce the risk of wildfires. 

Spring and fall are high risk seasons for wildfire. By reducing risks, there is less chance a wildfire will affect your property. We suggest that rural residents consider the FireSmart^TM program by taking the time to assess your property and eliminate as many fire hazards and fuel sources as possible.

Get started right away! 

Some easy things you can do today are:

• Mow and water your grass around your home; remove all long grass, shrubs, logs, branches, twigs and needles within 10 metres of your home.
• Store firewood a minimum of 10 metres from any structure.
• Contact your utility company if trees or branches are not clear of power lines on your property.
• Prune branches from the base of your trees to reduce the chances of a fire running up the tree.
• Remove any dry and dead plant debris from under decks, in the gutters and accumulations against any structure.
• Remove accumulations of poplar pollen, it is highly flammable and significantly increases the speed that fire can spread.
• Enclose combustible decks with non-combustible materials.
• Always keep a watchful eye on fire pits and burn barrels when they are in use.
• Plant fire resistant trees like aspen, birch or poplar instead of highly flammable varieties like spruce and pine.

Home Ignition Zone poster (4.4 MB)

Farm and Acreage - a guide to reducing the risk of wildfire

Are you interested in learning more about FireSmart

Get a FireSmart^TM assessment

• Book a free FireSmart^TM Wildfire Risk Reduction Assessment on personal property. Contact Safety.educators@strathcona.ca

Take a FireSmart^TM Class

• Take a FireSmartTM workshop. Check the Community Calendar and search "FireSmart" to see when the next class is scheduled.

Book a FireSmart^TM presentation

• Get your whole subdivision on board! Email Safety.educators@strathcona.ca to arrange a presentation for you and your neighbours. 

To learn more visit FireSmartTM Canada for more resources

How can let my neighbours know about FireSmart^TM?

Have you considered leading your subdivision in local FireSmart^TM activities? Learn more about becoming a FireSmart^TM Community Champion. Contact Community Safety Education to learn more. 

Based on community need, a free workshop can be organized. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss how community members can work with their neighbours towards reducing their collective risk from wildfire and earn FireSmartTM community recognition status.

Did you know you can get a grant to help with your neighbourhood?

Neighbourhood Recognition Program
Applications open November 1, 2025 and close February 28, 2026.