Highlands is the recipient of a $10,000 Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative FireSmart Grant, funding that will help the District mitigate risks to local residents.

Mayor Ken Williams said $2,000 of the grant is earmarked to host one or more evening or weekend workshops designed to inform the public how to create and maintain a wildfire-safe home. It will also cover the cost of a venue, a FireSmart consultant, printed workshop materials and refreshments.

Another $2,000 is set aside for specific dates for roadside pick-up, chipping and delivery to the Community Hall gardens of broom and brush.

The remaining $6,000 will be used for reimbursement grants (up to $200 each) for property owners to hire a FireSmart consultant to provide them with a plan for their property.

The Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative is a group of funding programs managed through the provincial Fuel Management Working Group, which includes the First Nations' Emergency Services Society; Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

The initiative supports communities to help mitigate risk from wildfire in areas where wildland fuels (vegetation) are found adjacent to homes, farm structures or other outbuildings.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com