Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans (CWRP) are the next generation of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP). The CWPPs were introduced in 2004 as part of the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative and served as the primary wildfire risk reduction planning mechanism for British Columbia communities. To better ensure that CWPPs consistently take a comprehensive approach toward wildfire, including risk reduction and resiliency measures, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) partnered with the BC FireSmart Committee to develop a new framework for Community Wildfire Resiliency Planning.
These recently completed and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board-endorsed CWRPs are the framework for wildfire risk mitigation in the RDN. The CWRPs outline dozens of recommendations with different suggested priority levels that, along with regional fire departments and other stakeholder input, will craft the next steps and future plans to reduce wildfire risk in the RDN.
There was a presentation on May 5, 2022 to the Electoral Area Services Committee by the consultant, Diamond Head Consulting, who completed the CWRPs for the RDN that is available at the following link: EASC CWRP Consultant Presentation.
The CWRPs and the Electoral Areas of the RDN
The RDN's seven Electoral Areas include unincorporated communities on the central east coast of Vancouver Island, from Yellowpoint to Deep Bay. The RDN is responsible for the administration, local governance and local services in these communities. Each Electoral Area is represented on the RDN Board by a locally-elected Director. A single CWRP has been completed for each of the seven Electoral Areas.
- Electoral Area A CWRP
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Cedar, South Wellington, Yellowpoint, Cassidy
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area A - May 2022
- Electoral Area B CWRP
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Gabriola, DeCourcy, Mudge Islands
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area B - May 2022
- Electoral Area C CWRP
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Extension, Nanaimo Lakes, East Wellington, Pleasant Valley
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area C - May 2022
- Electoral Area E CWRP
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Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area E - May 2022
- Electoral Area F CWRP
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Coombs, Hilliers, Errington, Whiskey Creek, Meadowood
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area F - May 2022
- Electoral Area G CWRP
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Englishman River, San Pareil, French Creek, Little Qualicum & Dashwood
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area G - May 2022
- Electoral Area H CWRP
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Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay
Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for Electoral Area H - May 2022
You play a key role in protecting our forests and communities.
The RDN encourages anyone who sees potentially harmful smoke or flame, or suspicious fire activity, to report it as soon as possible. Fires can be reported to 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on mobile devices; or by calling 911. Around 35 per cent to 40 per cent of all wildfires in British Columbia last year were human-caused. We all have a shared responsibility to protect our communities and forested lands. If you don't know if you can have a fire, check with your local fire department first! For the most up to date wildfire information and simple links to report a fire download the BC Wildfire Service's mobile app for Apple or Android.
Fire Danger Rating in the RDN
During the summer months it is important to check you area's Fire Danger Rating, this can be your local fire department's fire danger sign or on the BC Wildfire Service's website for provincial Fire Danger Rating. To learn more about what the Fire Danger levels are based on you can watch a video explaining them here.
To get involved with FireSmart and to learn how to protect your property from wildfire, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/rdn-firesmart or firesmartbc.ca.
Questions
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about the CWRPs or FireSmart, contact the Regional District of Nanaimo Emergency Services Department at emergencyservices [at] rdn.bc.ca (emergencyservices[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca).