The Local FireSmart Collective Program (LFCP)
A new, BC-specific program designed to help communities work together to reduce wildfire risk. Because FireSmart is most effective when we work collectively.
Launching Spring 2026.
Program Contacts
Project Team Lead
Collective@firesmartbc.ca
About the program
The Local FireSmart Collective Program (LFCP) is the next step in community wildfire resilience for British Columbia. Replacing the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP) in British Columbia, the LFCP supports and recognizes groups of residents and community organizations who take meaningful, collective action to protect their shared spaces from wildfire.
From rural areas and suburbs to First Nations communities or farms and ranches, this program is built to meet the unique needs of residents and reward their efforts.
What Makes the LFCP Different?
The LFCP introduces a four-tier system to track and celebrate progress. Each tier reflects increasing levels of community engagement and wildfire resilience, with financial incentives and recognition available along the way.
This flexible program is more inclusive than ever, welcoming not just homes and properties, but parks, campuses, and businesses alike.
Participation Tier (Coming Spring 2026)
The Participation Tier is currently under development and will serve as the starting point in a community's FireSmart journey, highlighting the importance of communities working together toward the shared goal of becoming more FireSmart.
After completing a Local FireSmart Collective Assessment and setting goals in a Collective Action Plan with a Local FireSmart Representative (LFR), the Collective will begin working toward those goals and tracking progress through their online profile.
Participants will be eligible for recognition and rewards that celebrate their commitment to wildfire risk reduction and community resilience.
Bronze Tier (Coming Spring 2027)
The Bronze Tier is the next step in a community’s FireSmart journey. Set to launch around spring 2027, this tier will recognize Collectives that are actively implementing wildfire risk reduction efforts in and around their homes, with a focus on the Immediate Zone.
Collectives will continue working toward the goals outlined in their Collective Action Plan, building on the foundation set in the Participation Tier. This stage emphasizes hands-on action and visible progress, acknowledging the effort required to make homes and properties more resilient.
The Bronze Tier will include new recognition opportunities to celebrate and support communities that are taking measurable steps toward wildfire preparedness.
Silver Tier (Estimated 2029-2031)
The Silver Tier is the next evolution in a community’s FireSmart journey and is expected to launch around 2029-2031. This tier will integrate elements of the Wildfire Mitigation Program, building on the progress made in earlier tiers.
At this stage, the focus shifts to the collective impact of FireSmart actions. It recognizes how individual efforts, when coordinated across a neighbourhood or community, can significantly reduce overall wildfire risk.
Collectives will continue working toward shared goals, with an emphasis on collaborative mitigation projects and expanded engagement beyond the Immediate Zone.
The Silver Tier will introduce new tools and recognition to support communities that are scaling their efforts and working together to create safer, more resilient environments.
Gold Tier (Estimated 2029-2031)
The Gold Tier is expected to be developed around 2029–2031 and will build on the progress made in the Silver Tier. This tier recognizes long-term commitment and deepened engagement in wildfire risk reduction.
Collectives will be rewarded for their continued work through the Wildfire Mitigation Program, with an added focus on expanding efforts to surrounding areas and the Extended Zone.
This stage celebrates communities that have made FireSmart practices a way of life, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and a strong culture of resilience.
The Gold Tier will offer the highest level of recognition and support, honouring communities that are actively shaping a safer future through sustained, collective action.
How It Works
Step 1.
A Local FireSmart Representative (LFR) and Collective Advocate (formerly Neighbourhood Champion) work together to create a profile.
Step 2.
Complete a Local FireSmart Collective Assessment (previously known as the Wildfire Hazard Assessment).
Step 3.
Work together on a Collective Action Plan (formerly known as a Neighbourhood Plan), the community’s personalized roadmap for reducing wildfire risk.
Step 4.
Work toward the goals outlined in the action plan, track progress, and renew participation each year.
LFCP FAQs
The FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP) does not reflect the scale and momentum of FireSmart efforts underway in BC communities. As the number of interface wildfires increases, even FireSmart Recognized Neighbourhoods are being impacted. It's clear that we need a program that better supports communities in taking action with a more flexible and inclusive structure.
The Local FireSmart Collective Program (LFCP) will officially launch in Spring 2026. Until then, the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program (FCNRP) will continue to operate for the 2025–2026 year.
The final FCNRP intake period will run from November 2025 to February 2026 for communities seeking recognition.
The LFCP portal will open in Spring 2026, allowing Local FireSmart Representatives (LFRs) to begin creating neighbourhood profiles and transitioning them into Collectives under the new program framework.
After consulting with a focus group of Local FireSmart Representatives, FireSmart Coordinators, and Neighbourhood Champions, we determined that the term “neighbourhood” was not inclusive of all residents and property types that may wish to participate in this program.
The updated program is designed to encompass a wide range of settings, including suburban and urban areas, rural properties, farms and ranches, and First Nations communities. It may also expand to include businesses, parks, post-secondary institutions, and other non-residential areas. Essentially, anything that is part of our collective communities.
In addition to the changes mentioned in previous answers, there are some key name changes and new titles to be aware of. The table here outlines these changes and additions.
The LFCP tiered reward system will primarily be funded through sponsorships, providing an opportunity for FireSmart BC partners to support the initiative through financial contributions.
The FireSmart Community Funding & Supports (FCFS) grants will not be affected. Both the FCNRP and the LFCP will be included in the 2026 CRI Program Guide.
You can still use the grant to support activities related to the LFCP, including assessments, action plans, and other eligible FireSmart initiatives.
We won’t be able to reuse the old FCNRP signage as we will have a new program name and sponsors on our new signs. Please recycle it yourself or keep it as a memento in a community space.
The LFCP will have a new assessment, new plan, and new portal, and collectives will have to start over by getting these new materials completed and set up in the new portal. The FCNRP materials will not be compatible with the LFCP.
To be awarded a tier and receive rewards, collectives submit their profiles for review once a year during the application period (Nov-Feb) and receive approval or feedback from our Program Administrator. You will apply for the tier you meet the criteria for, and we will assess your eligibility for that tier annually.
Once the LFCP is launched, FireSmart BC will no longer be operating the FCNRP. Neighbourhoods must join the LFCP to be eligible for the annual $500. You won’t be able to apply to both programs.
The Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will still be run by FireSmart Canada, which will offer $500 to community groups and non-profits to run a FireSmart event.
Neighbourhoods/Collectives won't be eligible for WCPD; instead, they should apply to the LFCP to receive their annual $500 plus a box of swag and resources.
Stay Informed
FireSmart Portal Testing Opportunity – Coming Fall 2025
As we prepare to launch the new Local FireSmart Collective program portal, we’re planning a testing phase to ensure everything runs smoothly before the official release. This fall (2025), we’ll be inviting volunteer FireSmart staff to test the portal and provide valuable feedback.
Your participation will help us identify improvements, refine the user experience, and ensure a successful launch. Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved and future program updates later this year!
Have questions? You can reach the project team at: Collective@firesmartbc.ca.
