Wildfire Mitigation Funding for Communities in BC
- Conor Corbett
- Sep 11
- 4 min read
Wildfire risk mitigation requires significant resources, and navigating the funding landscape can be challenging. This article outlines the main programs available to local governments and Indigenous communities, clarifies how the application process works, and highlights the key steps needed to access support.
Wildfire Risk Mitigation with Frontera
The Frontera team has been busy this summer working on various wildfire risk mitigation projects, including assessments, plans, fuel management prescriptions. We work with a variety of clients, including First Nations governments, the provincial government, local governments, and other types of land managers.
A question we often get is: who pays for all this work, and what kind of funding options are there? Wildfire mitigation costs money, and there are a variety of programs out there to fund this work. This network of funding types can be complex and daunting, and a big part of Frontera’s mission is helping our clients navigate these networks, and find funding opportunities for wildfire risk mitigation.
In this article, I want to give a brief summary of what these funding streams are, who is eligible, how to apply, and how we can help. Since much of our work is community-based, and these funding streams are complex, I will focus on these programs today.
Wildfire Risk Mitigation Funding
Wildfire risk mitigation funding is separate for different types of applicants. Local governments, which includes incorporated municipalities and regional districts, are eligible for funding through the Community Resiliency Investment Program (CRI), which is a program administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
There are a wide variety of eligible activities, from education events to acquiring response equipment. The funding amounts available are based on the wildfire risk class of the community. Vegetation or fuel management, as well as prescribed and cultural burning, can also be funded by this program. Funding is provided through an annual “pot” of money, which is then distributed to applicants. Application dates open for each year in the fall. The 2026 application intake opens on October 1.
Accessing CRI Funding for Wildfire Risk Mitigation
The process for accessing CRI funding for wildfire risk mitigation can be complicated and overwhelming for people new to the process. There are two main ways to access funding: an application stream, and an allocation stream.
The application stream is generally for communities new to wildfire risk mitigation. This application stream is much more complex than the allocation stream, and can take quite a bit of time and effort to complete.
The allocation stream, in contrast, is quite simple, and provides communities with funding to use for eligible activities, provided they have some key foundational pieces in place. These are a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, a FireSmart Coordinator, and a Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee.
Thus, most communities begin their wildfire mitigation journey by using the application stream to get these three foundational pieces in place, and once complete, use the much simpler allocation stream to continue funding wildfire mitigation activities.
Wildfire Funding for Indigenous Communities
Indigenous communities are eligible for funding through the BC First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS). FNESS distributes funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for wildfire mitigation activities on First Nations lands in BC. Eligible wildfire risk mitigation activities are similar to the CRI program detailed above, but with varying amounts for certain activities. First Nations communities are eligible for both FNESS and CRI funding.
Support Resources for Wildfire Risk Mitigation
The BC Wildfire Service, CRI, and FNESS program staff are key support resources for wildfire risk mitigation. If you are beginning a new application to CRI or FNESS, I strongly recommend you reach out to CRI, and either your local BCWS Wildfire Prevention Officer, or the local FNESS staff member. These staff will assist you in beginning the process.
The next step is to begin completing an application to the relevant program. This requires determining what activities your community wants to pursue, the necessary requirements, and cost estimates. The CRI and FNESS program guides provide tons of details. Remember to make sure you are looking at the correct program guide for your funding year, as there are typically annual adjustments to eligible activities, funding maximums, and program requirements.
Applying to Funding Programs for Wildfire Risk Mitigation
Applying to these funding programs, particularly for new applicants, can be intimidating. These programs are quite complicated and sophisticated, reflecting how complicated it is to mitigate wildfire risk. Although there are resources available through the BCWS, CRI, and FNESS, sometimes additional help is needed.
Frontera specializes in navigating these programs, and we have several staff that are deeply familiar with these programs and their requirements. We have helped dozens of communities access funding for wildfire risk mitigation over the past few years, assisting with CRI applications resulting in over $2.5 million dollars in funding for communities in need.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Frontera for help! Our core mission is to help communities with wildfire risk mitigation, and we always aim to help communities in need.
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Frontera Forest Solutions is a forestry consultancy located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. With clients all around Western Canada, Frontera specializes in helping communities develop wildfire resiliency though innovative forest management an urban forestry, grant writing and training and curriculum development.
To explore how we can work with your community, reach out here.
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