FAQs
Why is there so much focus on fences, mulch and firewood? Will this really make a difference?
These items are critical in breaking up 'fuel connectivity' This video shows what we mean: Balch Fire You can see how fire is able to use the connections to spread from the wildland to structures.
With the proposed changes, will I have to remove my existing fence?
No, you would not need to remove an existing fence. When a new Zoning Bylaw is adopted, the uses of land and buildings that were in conformance with the previous Zoning Bylaw but that are no longer in compliance with the new Zoning Bylaw are considered legal non-conforming uses, sometimes referred to as ‘grandfathered uses.’ Legal non-conforming uses are permitted to continue until the property ceases to be used for the non-conforming use or the property undergoes changes that require that it comply with current regulations.
Are you suggesting I cannot have a wood fence any more? What other materials are available?
If adopted, these zoning changes will still allow wood fences. Only a 1.5m section within the fence is required to be 'non-combustible', so the addition of a metal gate or a single metal panel will meet the requirements.
Fences that are not within 1.5m of your residence are also excluded.
Many material choices exist, including metal panels, cement boards, even class A fire rated wood! - contact firesmart@whitehorse.ca for more advice on mitigating fences.
And an existing fence is not required to comply - when a new Zoning Bylaw is adopted, the uses of land and buildings that were in conformance with the previous Zoning Bylaw but that are no longer in compliance with the new Zoning Bylaw are considered legal non-conforming uses, sometimes referred to as ‘grandfathered uses.’ Legal non-conforming uses are permitted to continue until the property ceases to be used for the non-conforming use or the property undergoes changes that require that it comply with current regulations.
I get my wood delivered in September to beat the rush - how am I supposed to deal with these new regulations?
The proposed changes only impacts wood stored within 1.5m of your home. In 'fire season' (April 1 - September 30), you would need to make sure there was no firewood within 1.5m of the home.
From October 1 - March 31 there are no proposed restrictions.
What are you trying to achieve with these rules?
Wildfires have been responsible for the loss of many homes across Canada. These fires spread to urban areas like Whitehorse through embers, which can fly kilometers ahead of an approaching fire. The City's Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy seeks to reduce the chances of these embers igniting homes.
While homeowners' voluntary actions are very important in these mitigations, the strategy also identified legislative tools that could require FireSmart practices on residents' lots.
Can the City help me be safer from a wildfire?
Our free home assessments are a great start, and you can also visit our website to find out about the other initiatives, including free disposal of FireSmart brush from your yard, and the FireSmart plants we are recommending in partnership with local suppliers.
If you are interested in fuel management on public land, you can read about that here.
I'd like to give you more information, or have some questions about these changes. Is there any way to do that?
You can discuss these changes and our entire program by emailing firesmart@whitehorse.ca or calling 8676874512