FireSmart Division: 2025 So Far

The FNESS FireSmart Division has been actively reviewing and conducting research, giving media interviews, attending events, delivering presentations, and supporting community capacity-building efforts through the FireSmart program. From leading conference sessions at the Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit to field training, they are everywhere.

New FireSmart Assessment Training Program

One highlight from the beginning of the year was the creation and commitment to the FireSmart Assessment Training Program, designed by FNESS FireSmart to support First Nations Local FireSmart Representative’s (LFR) in conducting FireSmart assessments. This program fills a gap within the LFR training by providing accessible, hands-on support designed to build confidence and competency in 3 FireSmart assessments (Critical Infrastructure, Home Ignition Zone, and Neighbourhood).

Strong Community Engagement

January to March outreach efforts remained strong, with engagement in 36 First Nations communities through education, mentoring, and program support. This included a range of support from brief discussions to FireSmart home assessment mentoring, Neighbourhood Recognition Program assistance (with two new neighbourhoods approved this quarter), and tailored guidance for community FireSmart champions. We also delivered two FireSmart Community Presentations reaching over 100 attendees and facilitated two virtual LFR training sessions for 130 participants.

6th Annual First Nations Fraser Valley Housing Forum

Additional highlights from the beginning of the year included presenting on FNESS and FireSmart at the 6th Annual First Nations Fraser Valley Housing Forum, supporting First Nations involvement in the upcoming Wildfire Resiliency Training Summit (WRTS), and presenting on FNESS and First Nations FireSmart engagement to the FireSmart Canada Program Implementation Working Group.

Lynn Orstad Award

In memory of Lynn Orstad, FireSmart BC, FireSmart Alberta, and the Co-operators are recognizing women across Canada who have contributed to furthering wildfire resiliency in their community, agency or province. The Lynn Orstad Award – Women in Wildfire Resiliency is an annual award honouring women who have made significant contributions in wildfire resiliency and advocacy efforts.

Amanda Reynolds and Malina Garner posing during the Lynn Orstad Award Ceremony at the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit

This year, FNESS Mitigation Manager Amanda Reynolds was a recipient of this award recognizing her outstanding contributions to wildfire resiliency. Amanda has been a passionate advocate for equitable access and support for First Nations communities within the FireSmart BC programming. Her leadership continues to strengthen community preparedness and resilience across the province. Congratulations, Amanda.

New FNESS FireSmart Supervisor

Congratulations to Malina Garner on her new role as FireSmart Supervisor with FNESS. Malina has been an integral part of the FireSmart Division for nearly two years, bringing dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to community resiliency. The FNESS FireSmart Division is excited to see Malina step into this leadership role and looks forward to the great work ahead.

Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit, 2025

At the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit (WRTS) in Penticton, B.C., FNESS, alongside FireSmart staff from the Lillooet Tribal Council and Aq’am First Nation delivered a major milestone in wildfire resilience: the first-ever Local FireSmart Representative (LFR) Assessment Training Day.

This hands-on, field-based training was designed to take certified LFRs beyond the online classroom and into the field, where students explore field-based learning. This training directly supports FireSmart staff to effectively conduct core FireSmart assessments, with confidence.

Over the course of a full day, 24 participants representing First Nations, Regional Districts, Fire Departments, and Municipalities took to the field. Our instructor team included three members of the FNESS Wildfire Resiliency Division, two FireSmart staff working for First Nations, and one member of BC Wildfire Service.

Participants rotated through three core components: Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) assessments, Critical Infrastructure (CI) assessments, and Neighbourhood Wildfire Hazard assessments. With mentorship from experienced instructors, each participant practiced their assessment skills, asked questions, and built the confidence needed to return home ready to support their own communities.

The day also reinforced the importance of competency, not just content. Participants reviewed pre-and post-assessment duties, explored real-world scenarios, and practiced using tablets and paper tools for assessment documentation. The focus was simple: build skill, build confidence, and support each other.