Official National Partner
The Structural Fire-Hardening Pilot Program
Supporting First Nations communities in strengthening the resilience of homes and structures through practical wildfire mitigation measures.
Program Overview
Reducing Structural Vulnerability to Wildfire Events
The First Nations Emergency Services Society, in collaboration with Aviva Canada and BFL Canada, has developed the Structural Fire-Hardening Pilot Program to support First Nations communities that have undertaken FireSmart™ BC assessments on residential and commercial buildings and now require support implementing the recommended mitigation actions.
Research has shown that 90% of structures lost during wildfire events are the result of ember ignitions. As embers and firebrands can travel kilometres ahead of the fire itself on wind currents, it is critical that buildings are prepared to withstand these conditions.
For more information about FireSmart programs, assessments, and community supports, connect with the FNESS FireSmart team.
Email the FireSmart TeamProgram Focus
Implementation Support
This program helps communities move from completed FireSmart™ BC assessments to real-world mitigation work.
Program Detail
Local Capacity
Wildfire mitigation recommendations identified through FireSmart™ BC assessments will, wherever possible, be undertaken by community-based and/or Indigenous businesses and contractors.
Key Insight
Fire hardening of structures is the process of identifying vulnerabilities in a building’s exterior and surrounding area that make it more susceptible to ember ignition, and addressing those risks through practical mitigation measures.
Program Eligibility
Who The Program Supports
Community Eligibility
First Nations Communities
This program is intended to support First Nations communities in British Columbia that have undertaken FireSmart™ B.C. assessments and require support implementing recommended mitigation actions.
Eligible Structures
Residential & Commercial Buildings
The program is intended to support assessed residential and commercial structures within First Nations communities where fire-hardening actions have been identified.
Timeline
April–December 2026
This pilot phase of the program is scheduled to run from April 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. The current pilot intake is now full, and future intake opportunities are to be determined.
National Partnership
Supporting Wildfire Resilience Through National Partnership.
The Structural Fire-Hardening Program is supported through national partnership to advance proactive wildfire mitigation and strengthen community resilience. Aviva Canada is recognized as the Official National Partner supporting this initiative and its implementation in First Nations communities across British Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a community need a FireSmart™ BC assessment first?
Yes. The Structural Fire-Hardening Program is intended to support communities that have already undertaken FireSmart™ BC assessments on eligible residential or commercial structures and now require support implementing the recommendations identified through that process.
How does a community access the program?
Communities interested in the Structural Fire-Hardening Program can connect with the FNESS FireSmart team to learn more about eligibility, assessment requirements, and available supports. Program participation is based on communities having completed relevant FireSmart™ BC assessments.
Who can I contact to learn more?
For more information about the Structural Fire-Hardening Program, FireSmart™ BC assessments, or related supports, communities can contact the FNESS FireSmart team directly at firesmart@fness.bc.ca
Learn More About FireSmart Supports
For more information about FireSmart programs, assessments, and community supports, connect with the FNESS FireSmart team.
Email the FireSmart TeamPart of FNESS’s broader commitment to advancing Indigenous-led emergency management and supporting Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #92 through practical community partnership and capacity-building.
