Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Why is Whitehorse creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan?
Whitehorse is surrounded by forested landscapes that can support wildfire. Many neighbourhoods can be found where homes and infrastructure meet natural vegetation, creating what is known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
Whitehorse has experienced wildfire activity in the past with the potential for both lightning- and human-caused fires. Dry conditions, wind, and forest fuels can increase the intensity of wildfires, which can impact homes, businesses, transportation routes, public heath, and community services.
Wildfire is a natural part of the Yukon ecosystem, but communities can take action to reduce the impacts.
Wildfire resilience is a community's ability to withstand wildfire, reduce damage, recover quickly, and continue operating during and following a wildfire event. It helps protect people, homes and neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure, important services, and natural and cultural values.
Preparing for a wildfire is more effective and less costly than responding after an event.
That's why the City of Whitehorse is developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Most communities in the Yukon have Community Wildfire Protection Plans in place. The development of this strategic plan is being funded by the Government of Yukon and will build on Whitehorse's Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy.
What is a Community Wildfire Protection Plan?
A Wildfire Community Protection Plan (CWPP) is a strategic plan identifying wildfire risks and recommended actions to make the community safer and more resilient.
The CWPP will assess Wildland Urban Interface hazards and risks around Whitehorse, looking at forest fuels and infrastructure. It will identify areas of concern, recommend fuel management and mitigation, support emergency planning and preparedness, help guide future development and planning, establish priorities, and strengthen protections for homeowners.
It's important to note that the CWPP is not an emergency response plan, nor does not immediately create new regulations. You can learn more about emergency management and response at whitehorse.ca/emergency.
How can I help develop Whitehorse's Community Wildfire Protection Plan?
Local, historical knowledge is important in the development of a CWPP. Residents can help identify concerns, priorities, opportunities to reduce wildfire risk.
Reducing wildfire risk is a shared responsibility. Everyone can contribute.
On this page you can find information about the City's plans, programs and work to reduce wildfire risk and learn more about CWPPs (see FAQs).
During the development of the CWPP, residents are invited to attend public information sessions and share their knowledge and feedback through a variety of ways, including a survey below. Further feedback will also be sought when draft recommendations come forward.
Engagement opportunities will be shared here as information becomes available.
Residents can also contribute to a safer FireSmart community by getting a free FireSmart Home Assessment on their property, following up on assessment recommendations, taking part in community clean-up events, joining neighbourhood FireSmart projects, and sharing FireSmart information with their neighbours.
Wildfire resilience starts at home, but its benefits extend throughout the community. Every FireSmart action helps make Whitehorse safer and more prepared for future wildfire events. Learn more about the City's FireSmart program and book a free FireSmart Home Assess at whitehorse.ca/firesmart.