FireSmart communities

Every year, people and property in Ontario are threatened by wildland fires. Many of these fires occur in wildland-urban interface zones. These are the areas where homes, cottages and subdivisions are built into the forest landscape. To learn more about FireSmart communities, read the Protecting your Community from Wildfire manual (PDF) and the FireSmart Wildfire Exposure Assessment document (PDF).

FireSmart Canada

Information about the FireSmart program and how to protect your property from wildland fires is available at FireSmart Canada. For guides and manuals visit the FireSmart Resource Library.

Protect your property

Follow these steps to keep your home safe from wildland fires by managing your three priority zones (PDF).

Conduct a FireSmart Home Assessment

Download the FireSmart Home Assessment (PDF) or visit your Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the "FireSmart begins at home" application. Complete an assessment to see what changes will make the greatest difference in reducing your home’s risk from wildfire.

Manage the vegetation around your home

  • create a non-combustible zone up to 1.5 metres from your home
  • reduce shrubs, evergreen trees and dead material within 10 metres of buildings
  • thin and prune trees within 10-30 metres of your home
  • ensure power lines are clear of tree limbs
  • grow fire resistant plants

For more ideas on protecting your property, read the FireSmart Begins at Home Manual and FireSmart Landscaping Guide.

Use fire-resistant building materials

  • use brick, stucco, metal siding, metal roofing or asphalt shingles
  • enclose decks, porches and vents

To learn more about fire resistant home construction, visit Home Owner Resources on FireSmart Canada's website.