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By Liam Verster
Fire Mitigation Work

Coldstream’s FireSmart program generates more interest

Oct 23, 2026 | 9:15 AM

Coldstream has seen an uptick in FireSmart work within the community.

A municipal staff report says a total of 76 wildfire mitigation surveys have already been done in Coldstream this year, which is up 21 per cent from last year’s figures. Of those assessments, 32 were done between July 1 and September 30.

Two neighbourhoods have signed on for Coldstream’s Collective Program, where people work together toward shared wildfire risk reduction goals.

The Fall Chipping Program saw 101 property owners sign up, leading to approximately 20 tonnes of vegetation being removed from private properties. The number of participants in the program was up 58 per cent from the Spring Chipping Program offered earlier in the year.

The report noted public engagement surrounding the FireSmart programming had yielded some interest over the summer months, and added staff were also looking at programs being offered in other B.C. municipalities to see if they would work in the local community.

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It was specifically noted that one of the pilot programs investigated was ‘goatscaping’ in Langford, where goats were allowed to graze in order to mitigate wildfire potential on public lands. However, it was noted this was not especially practical and required further mitigation after the fact, though could still function as an educational or public awareness tool.

Looking towards the final months of the year Coldstream will continue to do FireSmart assessments at private properties and public infrastructure, continue training related to Emergency Management Preparedness, and identify and deliver additional outreach and community engagement opportunities.

by Liam Verster
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