Applications for first round of Fire Smart continue until April 30

Time is running out for Nicola Valley residents looking to take advantage of the first intake of applications for the Fire Smart Rebate Program Program being.

The popular fire prevention program is available to all homeowners/ tenants with the Nicola Valley and could save you thousands on projects designed to keep your property “Fire Smart” throughout the fire season.

With more than eighty wildfires already reported in the province since April 1, the B.C. Wildfire Service is once again issuing a plea to residents to make fire prevention top of mind through the upcoming fire season.

Steve Rempel is the Fire Smart coordinator with Merritt Fire Rescue, and says since its inception, the program has drawn a lot of interest

“It has been well received in the city (Merritt) and I have no doubt it will be again for the summer of 2026,: said Rempel. “The more people who take advantage of the rebate program, the more resilient our community will be in the face of wildfires.”

The deadline to apply for the first intake of applications is April 30, with the second intake happening July 1-30.

Rempel added that as in past years, interested home dwellers can request members of Merritt Fire Rescue to visit their property for a free assessment and to provide insight and advice on how to fire smart their their home.

“We are always happy to do a free home safety assessment and give you some ideas about areas that you may be able to start to get some of that work done,” added Rempel. “We will do a little walk around the exterior of your home and let you know what you can do to improve your wildfire resilient.”

This year’s, Fire Smart Rebate Program has again been adjusted. This year’s rebates are limited to a maximum of 50% of the total cost of the projects and no more than $2,500 per property.

Rempel added that the fire smart projects can range from installing a fire-rated roof, replacing old windows and doors with fire-rated glass and even replacing combustible vinyl siding on your home with fire-rated or non-combustible siding. However, the projects do not have to be that extensive to qualify for a Fire Smart rebate grant.

“It doesn’t have to be a major project that cost thousands of dollars,” he said. “It can be removing an old cedar hedge that’s close to your home or clearing away combustibles from your property. There are many options but it starts with reaching out.”

To find out more on the City of Merritt’s Fire Smart Rebate Program, you can call Merritt Fire Rescue at 250-378-5626 or visit the City of Merritt’s Fire Smart link at https://www.merritt.ca/firesmart/