How the tool works
FireSmart BC looks at your property in three rings around your home. The tool asks about each ring, scores what you tell it, and lists the actions that would help most, starting closest to the house, because that is where FireSmart BC says changes have the greatest effect.
The house itself and a non-combustible strip around it. Stop embers from collecting and igniting anything.
Slow fire down and keep it away from the house: fire-resistant plants, no woodpiles, no evergreens close in.
Reduce fire intensity: spaced and pruned trees, cleaned-up debris, outbuildings and storage.
What your score means
The score runs from 5 to 95 and weights the things FireSmart BC emphasizes most: the roof and exterior, evergreens and fuels close to the house, outbuildings near the home, and your water supply. A higher score means more of the FireSmart basics are in place. It is not a prediction, and a high score does not make a property safe.
Questions
Is this an official FireSmart assessment?
No. It is a quick self-check based on your answers. An official FireSmart Home Ignition Zone Assessment is done in person by a qualified Local FireSmart Representative. Rebate programs generally require one.
How do I get an official assessment or a rebate?
Contact your municipality, regional district or First Nation and ask about FireSmart assessments and rebates. Many BC communities offer them, funded through the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program, but availability, amounts and rules differ and funding is limited.
Does the tool measure how likely a wildfire is where I live?
No. It looks only at your home and property: roof, exterior, outbuildings, water, nearby fuels and land. It does not use wildfire hazard maps or predict fire behaviour.
What do you store from my answers?
If you ask for the emailed report, we keep your email address, your answers, your score and only the first three characters of your postal code. We never store the full postal code.
Official resources
- FireSmart BC: the Home Ignition Zone
- FireSmart BC: Begins at Home guide
- BC Wildfire Service: FireSmart rebates
Running a farm, shop or small business on your property? These free templates may help: Emergency Response Plan and Hot Work Permit.