F I R S T NAT IONS' S OCIETY OF B C. FNESS Quarterly Responder. FNESS Safety Message:

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1 F I R S T NAT IONS' E M E R GENCY S E RV I C E S S OCIETY OF B C Newsletter Date January Issue: 35 FNESS Quarterly Responder FNESS Safety Message: FireSmart is Your Last Line of Defense: Keep it Clean and Keep it Green! Inside this issue: FNESS Safety Message 1 Community Profile 2 Fire Services 4 Forest Fuel Management 6 Special points of interest: Community Profiles FireSmart is a national initiative to help property owners and communities understand the ways in which and wildfire might threaten homes and structures located close to forested and grassy areas. The FireSmart Homeowners Manual provides owners and communities with simple steps to reduce the susceptibility of buildings and property to fire. The Manual is available for download from the FireSmart Canada and BC Wildfire websites. Here are some recommended FireSmart steps: Complete a Structure and Site Hazard Assessment and determine a FireSmart Rating. Clear all vegetation or combustible materials within 10 metres of a structure. And or, Create an Emergency Plan for items left adjacent to homes. Ensure that no trees or other vegetation overhang the roof COMBUSTIBLE SIDING FACT: Exterior walls are susceptible to ember accumulation, as well as convective, radiant or direct flame contact. The most common way walls ignite is from embers piling up at the base of the exterior and igniting the vegetation and/or combustible materials within 10 metres of the building. Vinyl Siding will ignite on flame contact and melt when exposed to high temperatures within 10 metres. A 15 cm non-combustible space should be created around the home (Priority Zone 1A). The FireSmart Minimum Standards provides information about homes with combustible siding. 100% of homes that experienced extreme fire behaviour, and survived, had a Low FireSmart Rating. Homes with owners who adopted FireSmart guidelines survived much more frequently than homes with owners who had not adopted simple FireSmart principles. The Bottom line is that FireSmart Guidelines work! They are effective in reducing the probability of home ignitions and losses. Create a Community Emergency Plan and a Home Emergency Plan and Emergency Kit. Know Them and Practice Them!. Fire Prevention Be a Firefighter workshop FNESS First Nation Adapt Program Submission Revitalizing Traditional Burning 1

2 Williams Lake: Community Profile: Quickly getting out of a home in the event of a fire is an important fire safety skill for all of us. In early January, FNESS Fire Services worked with the children, residents and staff at the Williams Lake IB to promote fire prevention activities. Students attending the Little Chiefs Primary School and the community s afterschool program practiced home fire escapes. We talked about smoke alarms and practiced crawling low under the smoke, feeling the door and quickly getting out of their home through a door or a window. These children enthusiastically participated! Housing, Maintenance and Three Corners staff are working together to improve the safety of all homes. Residents play a key role in keeping their homes fire safe by testing smoke alarms monthly and keeping their yards clear of combustibles. This past summer s wildfires had a huge impact on this community. There is a big push to update the community s emergency plan, encourage residents to be prepared, and work with neighbouring communities for the safety of all residents in the Cariboo. Thank you for inviting FNESS to your community! 2

3 Community Profile continues... Tŝideldel (Red Stone/Alexis Creek) Alexis Creek First Nation: The Nenqayni Deni "First Nations People" of Tŝideldel (Redstone) are part of the Tsilhqot'in Nation. The Community is approximately 177KM west of Williams Lake on Highway 20. The population is an estimated 682 and counting. Approximately halfof the nation live within the Community. In the time of our Ancestors, residents of Tŝideldel spoke the Tsilhqot'in Language, were nomadic and set up seasonal camps wherever food was in abundance. The Tsilhqot'in had laws, structure and stability in their own way utilizing the power of working together. This contributed to their legacy existing. Despite all trials and tribulations, the Tsilhqot'in of Tŝideldel are determined to carry on their culture today. The Alexis Creek Band Lands are spread over a portion of the Chilcotin Plateau in the interior dry belt of British Columbia. IR #1 and Michelle Gardens are accessed from the main road, Highway 20. Other reserves are located off Highway 20 and are accessed via forestry roads. The area is isolated, with the nearest town, Alexis Creek, approximately 60km east of the main Alexis Creek community at Redstone (IR #1). Fire Prevention is a growing concern for Tŝideldel. They recently formed a FireSmart Board that is building a plan for the community. The band is conducting a survey that will give them a starting point to understand the issues and priorities. During the meeting on January 30 th, 2018, they held a draw for prizes for the people who completed the survey. Some topics included Community Emergency Planning, Volunteer Fire Department, FireSmart, and Forest Fuels Management. The leadership hopes to have a solid plan in place before the spring freshet and 2018 Fire Season! Talia Baptist, Marilyn Charleyboy, 35 community Members and Chief and Council celebrating their first FireSmart Day of Marilyn Charleyboy Communicating the Tŝideldel FireSmart Action plan. 3

4 Fire Services The month of January was a busy one for Fire Services. Communities were invited to apply for smoke alarms and fire extinguishers through FNESS. Also, we have been replacing the recalled fire extinguishers as soon as we receive them from First Nations. We like to remind our community members that keeping the recalled extinguisher will not protect people from a fire, because it might not work or the valve might get detached and harm someone. For this reason, Kidde Canada has requested that all recalled extinguishers be returned to them and after receiving them. They will then send the replacements. During this month, we visited Williams Lake, Upper Nicola, and Kitasoo to deliver Fire Prevention workshops. In Kitasoo, we also presented the Fire Prevention week contest winner with her ipad! This year s winner is Andie Wallis. Her parents told us a very exciting story. Back in October, when Andie participated in the contest, she took it very seriously. She had her parents practice her home escape plan, identify exits, unblock doorways and check the smoke alarms. As a fire prevention organization, we are very proud to hear that! Photo: Andie, FSO Reo Jerome and Andie s parents. Fire Services Officer, Reo, also took the opportunity to teach fire prevention education to the kids at the Kitasoo School. They were all excited for their classmate Adie. 4

5 Fire Services Continued. Fire Services was also very busy planning the Fire Prevention: Be A Firefighter workshop to be delivered March 21 and 22 at Richmond Fire Training Centre. This workshop is part of Gathering Our Voices Registration is available in February at 5

6 Forest Fuel Management (FFM) The Forest Fuel Management (FFM) Department is providing updates about department events and activities attended and participated in for the month of January. Events FNESS Executive Director, Brent Langlois moderating at the Emergency Management Session at the Joint Gathering in Vancouver. As well Kúkwpi7 [kúkw](pi7) (Chief) Judy Wilson speaking at the Emergency Management session; First Nations Leadership Council; EMBC; Indigenous Service Canada; and BCWS. 6

7 Forest Enhancement Program (FEP) FES of BC approved a project submission by FNESS for development and implementation of a Regional Prioritization and Engagement model for First Nations that will guide development and submission of FN FES Project proposals. Pilot projects are being developed in the following three areas: NE (Fort Nelson), SE (FN covered by the Rocky Mountain Fire Management Plan), and Coast (N Quatqua). There are two measurable outputs for the pilot projects that will define project success: 1. Development of a simple process that can be clearly articulated to project proponents for identifying priority areas, and developing and submitting FES projects to the FES Board. 2. FES Board approval of FN FES project submissions. In addition to accessing funding to support community safety by preventing and mitigating risk from wildfire, we will be looking at other FES opportunities as follows: Improving damaged or low value forests; Improving habitat for wildlife; Supporting the use of fibre from damaged and low value forests; and Treating forests to improve the management of greenhouse gases. Tobacco Plains On-Reserve Treatment 7

8 Emergency Management Preparedness (EMP) Funding - On Reserve Fuel Treatment Initiative The EMP INAC project scope incorporates the development and review of forest fuel management prescriptions and implementation of operational fuel treatment projects for 18 First Nations communities. Applications were received August 31, 2017, with project approvals given in mid-september. Of the approved projects 16 projects will treat 10 hectares and 2 projects will treat approximately 2 hectares. Review and approval of prescriptions is currently underway; operational treatments will be implemented this coming winter with forecast completion in February We are working with INAC this week to have all applications approved. We received 27 applications and approved 18. We will now be able to approve the remaining 9 communities. For the most part, all projects have started and are making good progress. We have revised the Lil wat First Nation to allow for only prescription development and timber permit planning and application for this year because they would not have had either in place on time. Aq am On-Reserve Fuel Treatment 8

9 FireSmart Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) BC Rural Dividend Program Project A project proposal was initiated in August 2016 as a partnership proposal for Fort Nelson First Nation IR # 2 through INAC and the Forest Enhancement Society (FES) that approved the project in October The project was leveraged as a partnership initiative through the BC Rural Dividend Program, which approved the project in March The project area of interest expanded to include the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. The scope of the project to included: UAV technology to capture aerial imagery to support HIZ assessments and threat assessments in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) UAV commercial training for community members/business owners to support economic development opportunities. The project initiative is being implemented through six funding sources with budget contributions from INAC, Forest Enhancement Society, UMBC, Fort Nelson First Nations (FNFN), Partners in Protection, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, and BC Rural Dividend Program. First quarter saw completion of two major training initiatives. Home Ignition Zone Structure and Site Hazard Assessment training for 20 individuals, 12 representatives from FNFN, 5 representatives from Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM), 2 BC Wildfire Service and 1 FNESS. Photo: Darryl Adrian, FireSmart Liaison providing Fire & Safety Training to Boothroyd Indian Band Chief & Council 9

10 FireSmart Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) BC Rural Dividend Program Project continued. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Commercial use training. 10 trained, 6 representatives from Fort Nelson First Nation, 4 Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, 1 FNESS. Third quarter saw completion of comprehensive structure and site hazard assessment for 140 residences on Fort Nelson First Nations IR #2. We have received a request to apply for funds to conduct some First Nations training to expand Wildland firefighting training to meet standing offer crew requirements. Planning and discussion is a part of the project with BCWS. We will keep them posted on how this will progress. We should have approval to conduct this year end project this week. Photo: L-R: Bruce Morrow discussing the forest fuel management prescription with Lenny from Neskonlith during a walk through prior to work commencing 10

11 A Blueprint for Wildland Fire Science in Canada - ( to ) Project Summary Project Summary Problem Statement Investments in wildland fire science and technological innovation (S&T) have been steadily decreasing in Canada over a period of about 40 years. At the same time, the challenges of wildland fire management have increased. Taken together, these factors have reduced the country s wildland fire research capacity and limited our ability to meet the growing risks associated with wildland fire on the Canadian landscape. There has been recognition at many levels that development of a coordinated and focused approach to wildland fire science will help advance wildland fire management and policy in the future. FNESS FFM department has been invited to participate within the Subject Matter Expert group to assist with this project. Jeff Eustache, RFT, and Shane Wardrobe have participated in two face-to-face meetings to date and will provide information to FNESS and SWPI Working Group. Purpose of the Blueprint Project The Blueprint for Wildland Fire Science in Canada ( ) will serve as an aspirational, strategic, and collaborative pan-canadian framework that will: a) examine long-term policy drivers, questions, and needs; b) align wildland fire science priorities (across the country and among stakeholders); c) identify opportunities to grow current and future research capacity; and d) recommend a set of action items that will enhance our understanding of wildland fire, its impacts on Canadians, and our ability to prepare for, and respond to, wildland fire events. FNESS FFM department has been invited to participate within the Subject Expert Matter group to assist with this project. Jeff Eustache, RFT, and Shane Wardrobe have participated in two face-to-face meetings to date and will provide information to FNESS and SWPI working group. Canim Lake Band On-reserve Treatment 11

12 FNESS First Nation Adapt Program Submission Revitalizing Traditional Burning Revitalizing traditional burning: Integrating Indigenous cultural values into wildfire management and climate change adaptation planning. FNESS was successful in accessing multi-year funding through INAC to complete this project. Community(s) involved: Fort Nelson First Nation - Year 1, withdrew and was replaced with the Bridge River Band (FY2017/2018); Shackan Indian Band - Year 2 (FY2018/2019). Our proposed project is unique in that it will utilize qualitative research methods to assess vulnerabilities posed by climate change impacts, and identify Indigenous cultural values and traditional burning knowledge of each participating First Nations community that will be incorporated into the development of individual community-based burn plan frameworks. Commencing the project with key informant interviews, our team will gain insights during dialogue sessions with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and other community champions as a means of understanding the local and culturallyspecific knowledge unique to each participating First Nations community in relation to wildfires and drought;. The goal is to contribute to the improvement of community resiliency to climate impacts. Casual on call staff will be brought onto assist with this project. The kick off meeting with Bridge River, was held on December 6th, Sekw el was (Cayoose Creek Band) OnReserve Treatment 12

13 Promo & Educational Awareness Forest Fuel Management Employment Opportunity Revised Competition # Congratulations Brenden Mercer, FNESS Forest Fuel Management Liaison recognition of Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) 13

14 Promo & Educational Awareness 15th Annual BC Natural Resource Forum 14

15 FireSmart Grant now eligible without a CWPP Next SWPI Intake Application Deadline February 23, 2018 The Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative (SWPI) is a suite of funding programs managed through the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Working Group and include the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS); Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO); and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). Funding is provided by the Province of BC and is administered by UBCM. The initiative supports communities to mitigate risk from wildfire in the wildland urban interface. All SWPI applications from First Nations Communities for CWPP; Fuel Management Prescription; and Operational Treatments/maintenance are to be submitted directly to Union British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) at swpi@ubcm.ca and mail: UBCM 525 Government Street, Victoria, V8V 0A8. The February 2018 Program & Application Guides and Application Forms are now posted & live to: strategic-wildfire-prevention/2018-swpi-program.html. 15

16 National FireSmart Canada, Community Recognition Program Communication and planning is underway to assist First Nations and local governments to engage in the Fire Smart community recognition program. The goal of progressing the First Nations, and local government into the recognition program is the objective for this fiscal year. The BC Wildfire Service recently hired a communications/engagement specialist who will implement the FireSmart Community recognition program and assist with wildfire prevention activities in BC. The BC Territorial representative/liaison position was previously held by a FNESS representative and is now shared between FNESS and the BCWS. The added capacity and support for this role has been a great addition to BC FireSmart. We have received approval to develop an expanded FireSmart project through Indigenous Northern Affairs Canada this year and seeking to increase the FireSmart community recognition First Nations engagement. Jeff Eustache, RFT, was elected to FireSmart Canada Board of Directors with 8 others. Updates on meeting minutes can be provided on request. The FS PIP is doing better financially with grants from agencies and the province of Alberta. The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Wildland Fire Management Working Group (WFMWG) requested to meet with the Partners in Protection, FireSmart Canada (PiP) Board of Directors on January 10th, 2017, to share the WFMWG Strategic Plan, review the FireSmart Canada Business Plan, and identify opportunities for us to work together. This was a good opportunity to network and share the good work done by FS Canada with minimal resources it has received over the years. For the fourth quarter we have sent out FireSmart Canada Community Recognition information including FireSmart Canada Community Recognition pamphlets detailing the steps to achieving community recognition, application forms, volunteer sign-up sheets, in-kind resource tracking forms, BC Wildfire Service Homeowners Manual, and the BC Wildfire Service FireSmart poster. Our next step in the work plan is to begin community engagement to ensure communities are informed and updated on the FireSmart Community Recognition Program, through community site visits. To date, the following communities received FireSmart Community Recognition: 1. Penticton Indian Band applied for 2016 recognition approved in Lytton First Nation - applied for 2016 recognition approved in Village Of Lytton - applied for 2016 recognition approved in Community of Eastgate received 2017 community recognition. 5. Skeetchestn Band received 2017 recognition renewal. 6. Community of Steelhead received 2016 community recognition. 7. Community of Sendero Canyon received 2016 community recognition 8. Sendero Canyon, Penticton - received 2017 recognition renewal. 9. Piers Island - received 2017 community recognition renewal. 10. Nooaitch received 2017 community renewal recognition. 11. Sendero Canyon, Penticton- renewal Eastgate Mountain Street, Robson Post Creek Spiller Drive, Penticton Riddle Road, Penticton Woodbury Village Shuswap Band 2017 new community recognition. 16

17 National FireSmart Canada, Community Recognition Program continue. See the FireSmart Canada website for the full recognition list for BC Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Saturday May 5, 2018 F I R S T N A T I O N S ' E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S S O C I E T Y O F B C Vancouver Office Squamish Nation Traditional Territory Orwell Street North Vancouver, BC V7J 3R5 Phone: or Fax: info@fness.bc.ca Like us on Facebook Kamloops Office Tk emlups te Secwepemc (TteS) Traditional Territory A274 Halston Road Kamloops, BC V2H 1P7 Phone: Or Fax: ffminfo@fness.bc.ca Follow us on Twitter 17