Association news News Wildfire Week
NFPA launches wildfire-preparedness day

Twenty-four organizations across Canada each received $500 from the NFPA to host wildfire preparedness days on May 2.

What’s remarkable about that, says Kelly Johnston, the executive director of Partners in Protection and FireSmart, is that each application met all the criteria for the funding.

“We had planned to fund 20 events,” said Johnston, “but after reviewing the applications we felt that 24 projects were really deserving of our support so we came up with the extra funds.

“The response to this program exceeded our expectations and demonstrated that Canadians are concerned about wildfire and are ready to get to work to protect their homes and communities.”

The Township of Woolwich in Ontario was chosen as the launch community for the inaugural Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. The fire department in Bresuau, Ont., hosted NFPA Canadian director Shayne Mintz and other guests, and an open house.

“Our volunteer firefighters do an outstanding job of ensuring the safety and well-being of residents throughout the township,” said Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz.

“Through the assistance of the partnering organizations, this event will help to raise awareness of the dangers related to wildfires.”

NFPA funding for community events such as a chipping day, cleanup project or wildfire education programs will be available for 2016. Details will be available online at www.nfpa.org and www.firesmartcanada.ca

May 27, 2015 
By Laura King

NFPA Canadian director Shayne Mintz participates in the inaugural Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 2 in Woolwich