Emergency Management FireSmart Program

Overview:

The Emergency Management FireSmart Program helps First Nations communities strengthen wildfire preparedness and reduce the risk of wildland fires. Funding supports projects that build community resilience through wildfire planning, training, fuel management, and prevention activities while incorporating Indigenous knowledge into emergency management.

Funding Amount:

Funding is available for eligible FireSmart mitigation and preparedness projects. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until available funding is fully allocated or the program closes.

Low-value emergency preparedness equipment may also be funded through eligible projects, including firefighter protective gear, vegetation management equipment, and fire suppression tools.

Eligibility / Who It’s For:

Eligible applicants include:

• First Nations communities
• Tribal councils
• Indigenous organizations

Projects must directly support First Nations located on:

• Reserve lands under the Indian Act
• Lands set aside in Yukon under the applicable Cabinet Directive
• Former reserve lands that are now part of modern treaty settlement lands

Eligible Activities:

Funding may support a wide range of wildfire mitigation and preparedness initiatives, including:

• Wildfire pre-suppression planning
• Wildfire risk assessments
• Fuel reduction and forest thinning
• Prescribed burning
• Firebreak construction
• Vegetation management
• Fire mapping
• Wildland fire crew training
• FireSmart training, workshops, and conferences
• Community and youth engagement activities
• Purchase of eligible low-value emergency preparedness equipment

Province/Scope:

National (British Columbia projects are administered separately through FNESS)

Deadline:

Ongoing – Project proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted or March 31, 2027, whichever comes first.