Image Credit: TNRD

By Victor Kaisar

FireSmart Rebates

TNRD reports uptick in FireSmart assessment requests following launch of new rebate program

May 25, 2025 | 10:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) says there has been a big uptake in FireSmart assessment requests following the launch of a rebate program earlier this month.

According to the TNRD, there have been 137 home assessment requests made so far this year, 91 of which have come since Easter Monday. Staff also say they’ve already assessed 160 structures this year, 88 of which have been homes.

“Structures are being assessed within the ‘extended zone’ of a primary residence, which is up to 30 metres away from the primary residence,” TNRD spokesperson Colton Davies told CFJC Today, noting another 49 home assessments are currently scheduled.

Davies also said the TNRD is getting new FireSmart requests every day.

Last year, he noted the TNRD competed FireSmart assessments on 514 total structures, 320 of which were houses.

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“Staff are doing free FireSmart assessments almost on a daily basis and providing residents with very detailed assessments and recommendations where they’re needed,” added TNRD CAO Scott Hildebrand.

“We’ve had quite a bit uptake in requests for home assessments following the launch of our new rebate program on May 1.”

Under the rebate program, property owners in the TNRD are eligible to get back up to 50 per cent of the costs to a maximum of $500, if they complete mitigation work identified by TNRD FireSmart Coordinators.

“We’ll certainly be working with the communities and makings sure that people are going to get this rebate if they intend to help us and help themselves clean up their properties and make them fire safe,” Hildebrand said.

“We’ve held free chipping days in Blackpool and Glengrove road near Barriere and after the May long weekend we’ll be doing a number of these events in Neskonlith Lake, East Barriere Lake and Knouff lake,” he added. “FireSmart staff have also been very busy attending community events or hosting presentations all over the regional district.”

While the City of Kamloops had to temporarily pause a new rebate that incentivized the removal of cedars and junipers because of “an overwhelming response” from residents, Davies said the TNRD’s FireSmart rebate hasn’t had to be paused.

“Home Assessments are being completed within approximately three weeks of being booked,” Davies added. “We have added capacity this spring for FireSmart coordinators who are able to carry out Home Assessments. It’s open to residents and covers work done within 1.5 metres of their home that is recommended by a TNRD FireSmart Coordinator.”

“The best time for people to FireSmart their property is now, especially as we inch closer to summer and wildfire season.”

Davies said TNRD residents can book a FireSmart Home Assessment online. For more information about FireSmart from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, go here.