B.C. opens $15 million wildfire resilience funding for 2027, intake begins October 1

British Columbia is opening applications October 1 for $15 million in FireSmart Community Funding and Supports as part of Budget 2026, targeting local governments and First Nations preparing for the 2027 wildfire season.

Since 2018, the province has invested approximately $190 million through the program, supporting more than 300 communities, 158 First Nations, and 155 local governments. The FireSmart funding covers education and training, home and critical-infrastructure assessments, rebates and mitigation projects, community wildfire-resiliency planning, and positions that build local capacity for FireSmart initiatives. The program is delivered by First Nations' Emergency Services Society and the Union of B.C. Municipalities in partnership with the Ministry of Forests.

"British Columbia has just faced another tough wildfire season. This wildfire season reinforced what we know to be true: FireSmart works," said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. "We're beginning the work now to help communities prepare for the 2027 wildfire season by engaging in active forest management, by building community resilience and by reducing the threat of wildfire."

Francyne Joe, executive director of First Nations' Emergency Services Society, emphasized that First Nations communities face disproportionate wildfire impacts. "FireSmart funding gives communities the tools to build their own capacity and take action before a fire starts, in ways that fit their needs and priorities. The strong response we've seen to this intake shows how committed First Nations are to building real wildfire resilience."

Beyond community grants, the province supports wildfire-risk reduction on Crown land through Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction initiatives and work delivered by Forest Enhancement Society of BC. BC Timber Sales has expanded its mandate to incorporate wildfire-risk-reduction fuel management practices into harvesting operations, including commercial thinning, prescribed burning, and other light-touch forestry approaches.