FireSmart BC Network

First Nations’ Emergency Services Society

The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and FireSmart BC are working together to support First Nations in building community wildfire resiliency.

Message FNESS
five adults smilingm standing in front of trees and bushes

What we do

Every FireSmart journey is unique. We are passionate about helping First Nations navigate where to start and what steps to take to build a more wildfire resilient community.

Who we are

  • Dan Stevens: FNESS FireSmart Supervisor, Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres FireSmart Advisor
  • Danika Snook: Coastal Fire Centre FireSmart Advisor
  • Randie Morgan: Northwest, Cariboo, and Prince George Fire Centres FireSmart Advisor
  • Courtenay Campbell: FireSmart Researcher Advisor
  • Helena Marken: FireSmart Researcher Advisor

What can we help with?

  • Providing technical expertise, promoting Indigenous Knowledge, and working closely with community organizations, government bodies, and other partners
  • Hiring support for communities starting the process to hire a FireSmart Coordinator
  • Onboarding support for new FireSmart Coordinators
  • FireSmart training and mentoring of FireSmart Coordinators, including FireSmart assessment mentoring
  • Ongoing support for FireSmart Coordinators working for First Nations in BC (in-person & virtual)
  • Guidance on FireSmart BC resources
  • Instructing the Wildfire Mitigation Program (WMP)
  • Support with initiating Community Wildfire Resiliency Collaboratives (CFRC)
  • Support for coordinating community FireSmart events
  • Chairing the FireSmart Indigenous Outreach Alliance
  • Support for research projects within a community, and to serve a community
  • Creating new resources and programs that support FireSmart in First Nations Communities
  • Conducting research and data analysis to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities related to fire prevention and community resilience, with a focus on Indigenous Knowledge and compliance with OCAP.
  • Mentoring Coordinators to deliver FireSmart presentations using a “see one, teach one, do one” approach
  • Participating in FireSmart community events

Learn more about FNESS here.

Home Ignition Zone graphic

HIZ for Indigenous and Northern Communities

Check out the FireSmart Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) for Indigenous and Northern Communities Graphic for an in-depth look at how you can build wildland fire resiliency.