The East Kootenay Wildfire Resilience Plan has been adopted by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), establishing an updated strategy to reduce wildfire risks, strengthen emergency preparedness and protect communities throughout the region.
Adopted by the RDEK Board on October 16, 2026, the new Community Wildfire Resilience Plan (CWRP) replaces the region’s 2011 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. It provides a framework for identifying wildfire mitigation priorities, developing projects, securing funding and coordinating efforts with provincial agencies, First Nations, fire departments and local communities.
“A lot has changed since our last plan was completed over 10 years ago. Wildfire risk has changed, more development has happened in the wildland–urban interface, and we’ve learned a great deal from our own experience with wildfire mitigation and emergency planning,” said Sloane More, RDEK Emergency & Disaster Mitigation Coordinator.
“This plan gives us a current, practical roadmap to help set priorities, pursue funding and work with our partners to build wildfire resilience across the region.”
Addressing Wildfire Risks Across the East Kootenay
The plan includes a regional assessment and considerations specific to each of the RDEK’s six Electoral Areas, including Electoral Area A in the Elk Valley.
Wildfire risks vary considerably across the region depending on forest conditions, terrain, development patterns, emergency access routes and critical infrastructure.
For rural communities surrounding Fernie, wildfire preparedness is particularly important where residential developments, forests and transportation corridors intersect.
The plan was developed by Nupqu, with the wildfire risk assessment led by an independent Registered Professional Forester.
Seven Priorities for Wildfire Resilience
The strategy is organized around seven FireSmart disciplines:
- Education
- Legislation and planning
- Development considerations
- Interagency cooperation
- Cross-training
- Emergency planning
- Vegetation management
These priorities address land-use planning, emergency response, public education, infrastructure protection and practical measures residents and property owners can take to reduce wildfire exposure.
The plan also emphasizes cooperation among governments, First Nations, emergency services, landowners and community organizations to improve wildfire resilience throughout the region.
New Plan Supports FireSmart Funding
Beyond identifying wildfire risks and potential mitigation projects, the updated plan supports the RDEK’s ability to pursue provincial funding.
“Having a current plan is also an eligibility requirement for local governments applying for FireSmart funding through Union of BC Municipalities, so this was another important driver behind getting the Plan completed and adopted,” said More.
The new framework will help guide future wildfire prevention initiatives, including vegetation management, infrastructure protection, community education and emergency preparedness.
Read the East Kootenay Wildfire Resilience Plan
Residents can review the complete 2026 East Kootenay Community Wildfire Resilience Plan, including regional wildfire risk assessments and considerations specific to the RDEK’s six Electoral Areas.
The plan provides residents, landowners and community organizations with an understanding of regional wildfire risks and the priorities that will guide future resilience efforts.
