Photo Credit: County of Grande Prairie

By Shane Clausing

firesmart assessment program

County of Grande Prairie launches new FireSmart Assessment program

Jun 20, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The County of Grande Prairie has launched a new FireSmart Assessment program.

The goal of the FireSmart Assessment program is to make sure property owners and businesses within the County are protected from the risk of any potential wildfires that may spread in the area.

While there has already been a type of FireSmart program in the area, Ken Atamanchuck, the Fire Marshall for the County of Grande Prairie, says this one has been simplified for the assessor and the property owners.

“The nice part is that we can now make these recommendations achievable for the homeowner. It’s one step, or tool, homeowners can use to make their houses that much more safer.”

Atamanchuck says assessors go through your property to take a look at what items could stand out as a potential fire hazard.

“I look at the area around the house, do we have grass coming up on the side of the house where we have vinyl siding? Is there wood stacked against the house? Is there combustibles against the house? What type of shingles you have on your house?”

At the end of the assessment, the homeowner will get a report on what they can do to make their home safer.

Atamanchuck hopes as many people as possible take part in this program.

“It’s really easy, all people have to go to the County website, all we need is a name, phone number and address, it comes to me and then we start the process.”

With the previous success of their wood chipping program, Atamanchuck thinks the FireSmart assessments will do well in the County.

“I really hope this is a program the County takes advantage of. It’s a really good stepping stone to helping make your property that much more safer in case of a wildfire.”