The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has introduced a FireSmart Homeowner Rebate program for properties in the Village of Sayward, offering residents up to $3,000 to complete wildfire risk-reduction work around their homes. The initiative is designed to accelerate mitigation measures ahead of the 2026 fire season while stretching limited public funding through a cost-sharing model.
In a release Tuesday, the SRD said the rebates apply to work completed within 30 metres of a structure and recommended through a FireSmart Home Assessment. The focus on the immediate surroundings of a home reflects national wildfire research indicating most structural losses begin with windborne embers. According to the SRD, as many as 90% of structures damaged or destroyed during a wildfire are ignited by embers, which can travel significant distances and spark spot fires kilometres from the main blaze.
“In 2023, embers from the West Kelowna wildfire blew 2.5 kilometres across Okanagan Lake and ignited multiple new fires on the east side. The lesson is clear: wind-driven embers can travel far and start fires in any community, including ours,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “The FireSmart Homeowner Rebate—available for eligible work around your home—gives residents a practical way to take action now.”
The program targets practical, defensible-space improvements that reduce ignition potential. Eligible activities may include routine maintenance, such as clearing gutters and removing flammable vegetation, as well as upgrades like installing fire-resistant roofing, siding and windows. The SRD said the eligible scope is intentionally broad so homeowners can prioritize measures identified in their assessments and suited to their properties.
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains. The program is supported through the Community Resiliency Investment FireSmart Community and Funding Supports grant. The rebate is structured as a 50% cost-share to maximize uptake: homeowners receive $500 for $1,000 of approved work, and up to $3,000 for at least $6,000 of mitigation measures. By requiring homeowners to share costs, the district aims to extend total project activity and protect more homes with the same pool of grant dollars.
Program administrators emphasize that the 30-metre “home ignition zone” is a critical priority. Measures such as trimming or removing highly flammable trees and shrubs near structures, replacing combustible mulch, screening or clearing under decks, and upgrading vents and soffits can meaningfully reduce ember intrusion and radiant heat exposure. When combined with fire-resistant exterior materials, these actions create layered protection that increases the likelihood a home will withstand ember showers and spot fires.
While the current intake is limited to the Village of Sayward, the SRD said rebates will expand in 2026 to Electoral Areas A, C and D, as well as the Village of Zeballos. Promotional materials for those communities will be released closer to launch. The staggered rollout allows the district to build local contractor capacity, assess demand and fine-tune program delivery before scaling.
For residents, the application process begins with a FireSmart Home Assessment to identify site-specific risks and recommended actions. From there, homeowners can complete eligible work and submit for reimbursement under the cost-share formula. Given the first-come nature of the funding, the district is encouraging early participation, particularly for upgrades that require contractor scheduling or material lead times.
The SRD’s FireSmart program aligns with broader provincial and national efforts to reduce wildfire losses through preparedness at the property level. As communities across British Columbia absorb lessons from recent fire seasons, local mitigation programs are increasingly seen as a cost-effective complement to suppression. Proponents argue that targeted investments in the home ignition zone can limit structure losses and improve firefighter safety when wildfires approach populated areas.
Homeowners in Sayward seeking details on eligibility, assessments and how to apply can visit www.srd.ca/firesmart-rebate-program. The SRD has designated Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator Kayla Holloway as the contact for inquiries at [email protected] or 250-914-9234.
With embers identified as a leading cause of home ignition during wildfires, district officials say the rebate program provides a timely, practical tool for residents to harden properties before next summer. As Baker put it, the community has a clear opportunity: act now, reduce risk and build resilience—one property at a time.
