Via TNRD
In an effort to encourage more homeowners to fire smart their properties, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has launched a rebate program.
Property owners in Electoral Areas will be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of the value of the work up to a maximum of $500. Rebates can cover actual costs incurred for mitigation work and/ or costs of labour by the homeowner.
TNRD Spokesperson Colton Davies says fire mitigation work must be completed within 1.5 metres of their home. “The most obvious example that comes to my mind is removing vegetation that’s right beside your house, or even right against your house that’s highly flammable. I know other jurisdictions, rightfully so, talk a lot about cedars and junipers, and we give that similar advice too, because the chance of Tinder dry plants or vegetation catching on fire and spreading to your home is higher when, when those are right beside your home.”
“I know in in all of 2024, in the spring, summer and fall, we did about 365 home assessments and and assessed more than 500 structures,” said Davies. “That’s all of, walking the property with the TNRD fireSmart home assessment staff and Representative doing that work from our fireSmart program. So it’s, it’s hopefully we’ll be able to provide that good, one on one support and help people through this.”
There are a few steps that must be taken in order to qualify for a rebate.
Steps to Apply for a FireSmart™ Rebate:
- Request a free FireSmart Home Assessment.
- After a Home Assessment is completed and a report has been provided, review recommendations for mitigation work.
- Act on mitigation work that has been recommended. A FireSmart Assessment Rebate Form will be provided, and residents will be asked to record personal hours (if applicable) and any money spent on contractors or materials (invoices or receipts will be required). A follow-up inspection will then be completed by a TNRD FireSmart staff member.
- Submit your rebate application form to firesmart@tnrd.ca.
Funding through this rebate program is available on a first-come, first-serve basis until October 31. This program is open for TNRD Electoral Area properties only. If your property is located in a municipality, First Nation, or neighbouring regional district, please refer to your local government’s FireSmart program if a rebate program is available.
To request a free FireSmart Home Assessment, use the TNRD’s intuitive FireSmart Assessment Request interactive map by clicking here. Those who require assistance using the online form can contact TNRD FireSmart staff at 250-377-8673 or firesmart@tnrd.ca.
Throughout 2025, TNRD FireSmart™ staff will be conducting free home assessments, hosting or attending community events, hosting free chipping days, and making education materials available to support residents doing fire mitigation work at home. For more information, visit: tnrd.ca/firesmart.
