The community of Wadin Bay was recognized as the province's first FireSmart community on Saturday, May 2.  This was Canada's first National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.

“I congratulate Wadin Bay and its FireSmart Committee for taking action to make their community safer from wildfires,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said.  “Their efforts will help to raise awareness about wildfire safety and encourage others to help protect their homes, neighbourhoods and communities.”

The community of Wadin Bay, located 28 kilometres north of La Ronge, was recognized after completing a wildfire risk assessment, appointing a FireSmart committee, and creating and implementing a plan to reduce the risks identified.  On Saturday, Wadin Bay unveiled a new wildfire information sign and carried out a community-wide FireSmart yard cleanup.

“Being a FireSmart Community, adopting the key principles and participating in National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day are important to our community,” Wadin Bay’s FireSmart committee Acting President Shaun Bergveinson said.  “Living in the boreal forest, we can’t eliminate the wildfire threat, but we can reduce the risk by implementing some relatively simple FireSmart recommendations, and that’s what we have chosen to do.”

National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, celebrated in Canada for the first time this year, highlights the important role that communities can play in reducing their own risk from wildfire.

The observance was initiated in Canada by Partners in Protection Canada, with support from provincial and territorial wildfire agencies.  It was planned and funded by the National Fire Protection Association, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and The Co-operators. The Canadian observance is based on a successful program in the United States.

To learn more about National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, visit www.firesmartcanada.ca.

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