Sooke FireSmart Program

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British Columbia has experienced unprecedented wildfire seasons in recent years. The changing climate, higher temperatures and drought conditions are all leading causes of aggressive fire behaviour and longer wildfire seasons. Living in a fire-prone ecosystem means we must implement wildfire mitigation strategies to reduce our wildfire risk and protect our community.

Fires on the coast can be vigorous especially in steep/difficult terrain and/or in drought-stricken areas. Lightning storms and water shortages are becoming more common during the summer months and impact both fire behaviour and response operations on the coast.

Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility from homeowners, to businesses to government. We all have the responsibility to reduce our risk and increase our wildfire resiliency.

What is the Risk? The Wildfire Risk Framework used in BC supports initiatives related to wildfire risk reduction. The largest threat to Sooke is wildfire as our community is currently classified in the highest risk category.

This framework measures risk and considers the likelihood of a wildfire event, community consequences, and impacts to high-value resources and assets. By identifying these risk levels, we can prioritize mitigation efforts and increase community resiliency to wildfire.

What is the Structure Ignition Problem? Many homeowners falsely assume there is no wildfire threat to their home and property if not directly on the forest’s edge or in contact with flames. Embers and burning debris can easily travel up to two kilometers ahead of a wildfire and ignite materials on or near your home. This can cause severe damage or total home loss.

Most homes destroyed during a wildfire event are from embers, and surface fires that have not yet reached the crown of the trees. Once homes or adjacent materials begin burning, these residential fuels burn at a higher intensity. The fire will then continue to spread rapidly throughout the community igniting multiple structures simultaneously through direct flame, radiant heat, and casting of shorter ranged embers. No longer influenced by the original wildfire, this urban fire will continue to burn residential fuels and flammable materials.

What is FireSmart? Being FireSmart is about living and co-existing with wildfires because it’s not a matter of if, but when. It’s a tool designed to reduce the likelihood of large uncontrollable, high intensity wildfires within the Wildland Urban Interface.

Recent science and studies have shown that overtime, FireSmart principles can significantly reduce the risk related to losses in the most extreme wildfire conditions. Laboratory testing, physical modeling and recent wildfire events have increased our understanding of structural ignitions and fire behaviour such as radiant heat transfer and the flammability of different building materials.


British Columbia has experienced unprecedented wildfire seasons in recent years. The changing climate, higher temperatures and drought conditions are all leading causes of aggressive fire behaviour and longer wildfire seasons. Living in a fire-prone ecosystem means we must implement wildfire mitigation strategies to reduce our wildfire risk and protect our community.

Fires on the coast can be vigorous especially in steep/difficult terrain and/or in drought-stricken areas. Lightning storms and water shortages are becoming more common during the summer months and impact both fire behaviour and response operations on the coast.

Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility from homeowners, to businesses to government. We all have the responsibility to reduce our risk and increase our wildfire resiliency.

What is the Risk? The Wildfire Risk Framework used in BC supports initiatives related to wildfire risk reduction. The largest threat to Sooke is wildfire as our community is currently classified in the highest risk category.

This framework measures risk and considers the likelihood of a wildfire event, community consequences, and impacts to high-value resources and assets. By identifying these risk levels, we can prioritize mitigation efforts and increase community resiliency to wildfire.

What is the Structure Ignition Problem? Many homeowners falsely assume there is no wildfire threat to their home and property if not directly on the forest’s edge or in contact with flames. Embers and burning debris can easily travel up to two kilometers ahead of a wildfire and ignite materials on or near your home. This can cause severe damage or total home loss.

Most homes destroyed during a wildfire event are from embers, and surface fires that have not yet reached the crown of the trees. Once homes or adjacent materials begin burning, these residential fuels burn at a higher intensity. The fire will then continue to spread rapidly throughout the community igniting multiple structures simultaneously through direct flame, radiant heat, and casting of shorter ranged embers. No longer influenced by the original wildfire, this urban fire will continue to burn residential fuels and flammable materials.

What is FireSmart? Being FireSmart is about living and co-existing with wildfires because it’s not a matter of if, but when. It’s a tool designed to reduce the likelihood of large uncontrollable, high intensity wildfires within the Wildland Urban Interface.

Recent science and studies have shown that overtime, FireSmart principles can significantly reduce the risk related to losses in the most extreme wildfire conditions. Laboratory testing, physical modeling and recent wildfire events have increased our understanding of structural ignitions and fire behaviour such as radiant heat transfer and the flammability of different building materials.


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    Upgrade Windows

    11 months ago

    Multi-pane or tempered glass windows will withstand more heat than single pane glass; however, all can be vulnerable. Do not have a heavy accumulation of vegetation or combustible materials under windows to reduce the risk of radiant heat breaking windows and flames/firebrands from entering the home. Move combustible materials at least 10 meters from the home.


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    Assess Eaves & Vents

    about 1 year ago

    Open eaves create a surface that can be affected by embers and direct heat. Properly fitted non-combustible soffits, fascia, and drip edge flashing will help reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the wooden rafters of your home.

    While vents play an important role in removing moisture and relieve the build-up of heat, they can create an opening for sparks and embers. Inspect vents regularly to ensure they are in good condition and remove any accumulated combustible materials.

    Consider screening over or behind open vents with 3 mm non-combustible mesh or install ember-resistant ASTM rated vents on all non-heating vents. If vents have louvres or flaps, ensure they self-close when the vents are not expelling air.

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    Inspect Your Chimney

    about 1 year ago

    This is the time of year when wood burning stoves are getting a lot of use to keep us warm. Only burn clean, dry, and seasoned wood. Install a spark arrestor on your chimney that will reduce the chance of sparks and embers escaping. Always have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year.

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    Maintain Trees

    about 2 years ago

    A surface fire can climb up into trees quickly. Removing branches within 2 metres from the ground can stop fires from spreading into the treetops. Always trim branches that overhang your roof. 

    You can prune dead branches at any time of the year, but it is best to prune coniferous trees in the late winter when they are dormant. Prune close to the tree trunk, but not so close it will damage the main trunk or bark of the tree.

    Trees that have signs of rot and damage can make them more susceptible to fire. An arborist or forester can help you assess the condition of mature trees on your property.

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    Move Firewood Piles

    about 2 years ago

    Are you preparing your property and storing wood piles for the winter months? It’s important to store these wildfire fuel sources 10-30 metres away from your home to ensure it has a greater chance of surviving a wildfire.

     Whether you are building protection for your home today, or preparing for the next wildfire season, it’s never a wrong time to make the effort to FireSmart your home.

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    Maintain/Upgrade Exterior

    about 2 years ago

    Are you planning home maintenance or renovations this upcoming Spring? Choose fire-resistant materials to help protect your home against neighbouring structure fires and wildfires. Siding materials such as stucco, metal siding, brick/concrete, and fibre cement all offer greater fire protection. 

    Some types of siding materials, such as vinyl, can melt when exposed to high temperatures, allowing the fire to reach the underlying wall components and penetrate the interior of the building.

    Ensure your siding is free of gaps, holes, or other areas where embers could accumulate. Prioritize repairing any vulnerabilities identified on the exterior walls of your home before the summer months.

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Page last updated: 21 Nov 2023, 03:46 PM