RDKB FireSmart Specialists are fired up

When you need to FireSmart your property, who you gonna call? RDKB’s FireSmart Specialist.

The team is back in action and fired up to work together and reduce our wildfire risk.

Carlene Pires, RDKB’s Regional FireSmart Coordinator said your friendly neighbourhood experts here to help you FireSmart your property, access up to $5,000 in rebates, and reduce wildfire risks one lawnmower pass at a time.

Whether it’s clearing roofs and gutters, creating fire-resistant landscaping, or relocating combustibles, these specialists are here to make it easier (and more rewarding) than ever for residents to take proactive steps before wildfire season heats up.

“We’ve got a great, experienced, and enthusiastic team,” says Pires.

“There’s already strong interest from community members to FireSmart their homes. The program is gaining traction, rebates are a great incentive, and we’re starting the season with a waitlist that built over winter, which is a fantastic sign. Our team is more than ready to hit the ground running.”

Meet Your 2025 FireSmart All-Stars

Robbie McClary – (New) Wildfire Mitigation Lead (All of RDKB)
After working closely with residents in the Greater Trail Area last year, Robbie steps into a new leadership role in 2025, supporting the whole WMS team and helping to expand FireSmart efforts across the region. Robbie will be making appearances at events throughout the season—stop by and say hi!

Ruby Nixon-Bilski – Greater Trail Area
A true Kootenay local with seven years in BC Wildfire Service, Ruby has moved from wildfire suppression into wildfire prevention—and she’s loving it. “After years on the frontlines, it feels amazing to help communities get ahead of the risk,” says Ruby. When she’s not FireSmarting, you’ll find her skiing, hiking, biking, or climbing her way through the Kootenays.

Darren Remenda – Christina Lake & Grand Forks
A returning FireSmart pro and Christina Lake Fire Department member, Darren brings local know-how and a deep commitment to wildfire safety. In 2024 alone, he completed over 100 FireSmart assessments. “It’s only a matter of time before our area faces a wildfire threat. I’m here to help you prepare before that day comes.”

Liam Geary – Greenwood, Midway, Rock Creek, Bridesville & Mount Baldy
Liam brings his construction background and fire service experience as a Grand Forks Fire Department member to a newly dedicated area now getting its own full-time Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for the first time. With expertise in building materials, wildlife habitats, and local tree species, Liam is excited to help these communities take their FireSmart efforts to the next level.

More help is on the way
A dedicated Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for the Big White to Rock Creek corridor will be coming soon.

Get involved and get rebates
Residents who complete a free FireSmart Home Assessment with a WMS are eligible for rebates of up to $5,000 on mitigation work. It’s a 50 per cent cost-share, so for every dollar you spend improving wildfire resilience, you get 50 cents back. From clearing brush to upgrading siding and moving woodpiles, it all adds up.

The rebate application intake runs up to October 31 and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available.

Assessments are confidential, free, and participation is easy.

Book yours today and start making positive changes to your home ignition zones.

Contact the RDKB WMS team by email [email protected], telephone: 250-368-0259 or online: https://emergency.rdkb.com/FireSmart.


Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyKootenayNowNews Alerts.

Kate Brown
Kate Brown
Kate is a proud mom of two with a wealth of journalism, media and communications experience. Born in Australia, Kate moved to the Kootenays for a change in lifestyle and now spends her days enjoying the mountains, lakes and activities the region has to offer.

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.
- Advertisement -

RDKB FireSmart Specialists are fired up

- Advertisement -

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.

Wildfires ignite in West Kootenay

A series of small wildfires have sprouted up throughout the West Kootenay and Creston Valley.

Charges laid in Beaver Valley arena incident

A charge has been laid in the Beaver Valley Arena incident in late March that resulted in serious injuries to a 47-year-old Fruitvale man.

Warfield bust leads to gun, stolen items seizure

Police say they found 24 firearms, firearm related items, a taser, body armor and a significant amount of stolen property on last week's Warfield bust.

RCMP vehicle sparks wildfire north of Lytton

A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Climate advocate joins B.C. Greens leadership race

The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party's leadership race.

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

RDKB FireSmart Specialists are fired up

Sample author description

Author Archive

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.

Wildfires ignite in West Kootenay

A series of small wildfires have sprouted up throughout the West Kootenay and Creston Valley.

Charges laid in Beaver Valley arena incident

A charge has been laid in the Beaver Valley Arena incident in late March that resulted in serious injuries to a 47-year-old Fruitvale man.

Warfield bust leads to gun, stolen items seizure

Police say they found 24 firearms, firearm related items, a taser, body armor and a significant amount of stolen property on last week's Warfield bust.

RCMP vehicle sparks wildfire north of Lytton

A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Climate advocate joins B.C. Greens leadership race

The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party's leadership race.

Smoke Eater named 2024-25 Kyle Turris Community Award winner

The BC Hockey League has announced Trail Smoke Eater Judah Makway as an Interior Conference winner of the Kyle Turris Community Award.

Residents can leave feedback on CleanBC initiative using survey

The B.C. government wants your thoughts on its plan to lower emissions by filling in a survey.

West Kootenay under drought level three

Drought conditions in most of the West Kootenay region are at drought level three.  

Report on B.C. event safety submitted to B.C. government

A public inquiry about community event safety has been submitted to the B.C. Government.

Comox councillor enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr is in the running to be the next leader of the B.C. Greens. 

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.
- Advertisement -

Search results for: RDKB FireSmart Specialists are fired up

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.

Wildfires ignite in West Kootenay

A series of small wildfires have sprouted up throughout the West Kootenay and Creston Valley.

Charges laid in Beaver Valley arena incident

A charge has been laid in the Beaver Valley Arena incident in late March that resulted in serious injuries to a 47-year-old Fruitvale man.

Warfield bust leads to gun, stolen items seizure

Police say they found 24 firearms, firearm related items, a taser, body armor and a significant amount of stolen property on last week's Warfield bust.

RCMP vehicle sparks wildfire north of Lytton

A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Climate advocate joins B.C. Greens leadership race

The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party's leadership race.

Smoke Eater named 2024-25 Kyle Turris Community Award winner

The BC Hockey League has announced Trail Smoke Eater Judah Makway as an Interior Conference winner of the Kyle Turris Community Award.

Residents can leave feedback on CleanBC initiative using survey

The B.C. government wants your thoughts on its plan to lower emissions by filling in a survey.

West Kootenay under drought level three

Drought conditions in most of the West Kootenay region are at drought level three.  

Report on B.C. event safety submitted to B.C. government

A public inquiry about community event safety has been submitted to the B.C. Government.

Comox councillor enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr is in the running to be the next leader of the B.C. Greens. 

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.
- Advertisement -

Tag: RDKB FireSmart Specialists are fired up

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.

Wildfires ignite in West Kootenay

A series of small wildfires have sprouted up throughout the West Kootenay and Creston Valley.

Charges laid in Beaver Valley arena incident

A charge has been laid in the Beaver Valley Arena incident in late March that resulted in serious injuries to a 47-year-old Fruitvale man.

Warfield bust leads to gun, stolen items seizure

Police say they found 24 firearms, firearm related items, a taser, body armor and a significant amount of stolen property on last week's Warfield bust.

RCMP vehicle sparks wildfire north of Lytton

A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Climate advocate joins B.C. Greens leadership race

The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party's leadership race.

Smoke Eater named 2024-25 Kyle Turris Community Award winner

The BC Hockey League has announced Trail Smoke Eater Judah Makway as an Interior Conference winner of the Kyle Turris Community Award.

Residents can leave feedback on CleanBC initiative using survey

The B.C. government wants your thoughts on its plan to lower emissions by filling in a survey.

West Kootenay under drought level three

Drought conditions in most of the West Kootenay region are at drought level three.  

Report on B.C. event safety submitted to B.C. government

A public inquiry about community event safety has been submitted to the B.C. Government.

Comox councillor enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Comox town councillor and family doctor Jonathan Kerr is in the running to be the next leader of the B.C. Greens. 

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Zoey – a dog with a mix of everything!

This weeks Summit Radio Pet of the Week from the BCSPCA is Zoey!

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

This year’s West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS Walk raises over $20k

West Kootenay-Boundary Move to Cure ALS is walking the talk, all the way to $20,176.

Does the Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital need a second access?

The West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District Board has raised the long-standing issue of the need for a second access to Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.

Pape signs with Smoke Eaters

The Trail Smoke Eaters have signed another German defenseman.
- Advertisement -