Property owners in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District who lost structures to wildfires last summer may be able to get reimbursed for cleaning up debris on their properties.

The TNRD’s Deputy General Manager of Operations, Jamie Vieira, says the program is only meant for residents in rural areas like Monte Lake, Tranquille, and Botanie Valley, and not those in Lytton, where debris removal is being handled directly by the Village.

“Through the program, the TNRD is able to reimburse property owners who have incurred expenses for debris removal. Proof of payment is required for reimbursement of wildfire debris removal completed by private property owners,” Vieira said, noting residents who are looking to register for this program should do so by March 25.

In Sept. last year, the TNRD reported 161 structure losses due to five different wildfires, 53 of which were people’s primary homes.

The program was launched in January with funding from both the Canadian Red Cross and the Province of British Columbia.

For more information on the Wildfire Debris Removal Program including on how to register, go here.