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# Local FireSmart Representative workshop empowers Yukoners to increase community wildfire resiliency

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Forty-six community leaders from across Yukon have learned how to reduce their community’s wildfire risk at a FireSmart workshop in Whitehorse held on February 26 and 27.

Organized by the Government of Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch, the course taught community leaders how to identify potential wildfire hazards in forested areas, find and support local FireSmart champions and put wildfire hazard reduction plans into action through the government’s FireSmart funding program.

> It takes a village to build wildfire resiliency. By bringing Yukoners from across the territory together to grow our FireSmart program, the Government of Yukon is investing in our communities’ ability to identify priority hazard-reduction projects. This know-how will support our ongoing efforts to improve Yukon communities’ wildfire resiliency.

Quick facts

- Wildland Fire Management is delivering on the government’s draft climate change action plan to lead the development of community-level wildfire protection plans.

- As FireSmart Canada members, the Government of Yukon benefits from resources that have been created using the most current wildfire risk reduction knowledge in the country.

- Wildland Fire Management is leading the creation of wildfire-resilient Yukon communities. By empowering local champions through the Local FireSmart Representatives workshop, the government is building a culture of FireSmart communities.

- The Government of Yukon’s popular FireSmart program supports local leaders who want to reduce hazards in their communities. Last year, the Government of Yukon invested $847,000 in projects proposed by 33 Yukon municipalities, First Nations governments and community groups.

Media contact

Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
stewart.burnett@gov.yk.ca

Mike Fancie
Community Engagement Officer, Community Services
867-332-1928
mike.fancie@gov.yk.ca

News release #:
20-030
Related information:
Keep your property safe from wildfires
Prevent and prepare for wildfires