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Read All Latest NewsCITY OF LANGFORD APPROVES COMMUNITY WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PLAN
(Langford, B.C.) – At the June 16th Council meeting, Langford Council unanimously voted to approve the City’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
The City of Langford’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), originally developed in 2020, has been revised and updated to a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP). This update was funded by the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports grant from the Union of BC Municipalities, which is part of the Province’s Community Resiliency Investment Program.
The CWRP represents a new generation of strategies aimed at reducing wildfire risks in Langford. It incorporates FireSmart principles and will serve as the primary framework for wildfire risk reduction. The Plan builds on the successful components of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan while introducing new elements that align more closely with the seven FireSmart disciplines.
The updated Plan, prioritizes 33 initiatives such as maintaining a dedicated FireSmart and Wildfire Resiliency position, conducting FireSmart assessments of critical infrastructure and community assets and developing mitigation strategies in priority neighbourhoods. Other key recommendations include updating development processes to include fire and emergency input, supporting firefighter training, and advancing vegetation management in parks and green spaces.
“Langford’s Strategic Plan outlines a vision for six priority areas, including quality of life with a focus on public safety,” said Scott Goodmanson, Mayor of Langford. “The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan will be crucial in helping residents prepare for wildfire challenges and improving overall community safety.”
By approving the completed CWRP, Council has directed Langford fire rescue staff to prioritize and implement its recommendations to reduce wildfire risk in Langford. The City’s local FireSmart program aims to increase community awareness and resilience against wildfires through ongoing education on wildfire mitigation for residents.
“Langford is at risk from wildland interface fires,” said Chris Aubrey, Fire Chief and Emergency Program Coordinator. “The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan will strengthen Langford into a resilient and FireSmart community, reducing the dangers of interface fires and keeping our residents safe.”
By developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, Langford will continue to qualify for additional funding opportunities through the FCFS program for wildfire mitigation efforts.
The City of Langford encourages residents book a free FireSmart Home Assessment to learn how to increase their home’s resiliency to wildfire and access helpful tools like the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual, checklist, and videos.