British Columbia communities have an opportunity to access funding for wildfire preparedness, firefighter training and community resilience through the 2027 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program. For municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and local fire departments, this funding may help make essential training more accessible while strengthening local emergency response capabilities.

At Provincial Fire & Safety, we work with communities and industry to deliver practical safety training that helps people prepare for and respond to emergencies. We want to help communities understand this funding opportunity and explore how eligible training could support their wildfire preparedness goals.

What Is the 2027 FireSmart Community Funding Program?

The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program is funded by the Province of British Columbia and administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), in partnership with First Nations' Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and the Ministry of Forests.

The program supports community-led initiatives designed to reduce wildfire risk, improve preparedness and strengthen local wildfire resilience.

For the 2027 intake, eligible applicants may receive funding covering up to 100% of eligible project costs, subject to program requirements and approval.

How much funding is available?

Funding limits vary depending on community wildfire risk:

• Higher-risk communities: Up to $200,000.

• Lower-risk communities: Up to $150,000.

• Regional districts: An additional $50,000 per included electoral area may be available, subject to program guidelines.

Eligible expenses may include approved training course fees, instructional materials and certain travel costs.

Application deadline: December 31, 2026.

Communities interested in applying should review the official program guide and confirm their eligibility and project requirements before proceeding.

How Can FireSmart Funding Support Firefighter Training?

Wildfire preparedness involves more than equipment and emergency plans. Firefighters and emergency personnel also need appropriate training to work safely, understand wildfire behaviour and coordinate effectively during emergency situations.

Depending on the proposed activity and program requirements, eligible training initiatives may include:

• Cross-training for firefighters and emergency-management personnel.

• Specified wildland-fire training courses.

• Wildland live-fire training developed jointly with BC Wildfire Service.

Funding may help eligible communities cover approved training expenses, making it easier to invest in the knowledge and practical skills their emergency response teams need.

For communities managing volunteer fire departments, these opportunities may be particularly valuable when training budgets are limited and personnel need to maintain or expand their capabilities.

Who Can Apply for FireSmart Community Funding?

Eligible applicants include:

• First Nations in British Columbia.

• Municipalities.

• Regional districts.

Individual training providers generally do not apply for this funding on behalf of a community. Instead, an eligible organization submits the application and may engage a qualified training provider to help deliver approved project activities.

Applicants generally need to meet program requirements relating to a FireSmart position, participation in a Community FireSmart and Resiliency Collaborative, and an acceptable community wildfire resiliency or protection plan. Certain introductory activities may be available to communities that do not yet meet all these requirements.

Because eligibility depends on the applicant and proposed project, communities should consult the current program guide and confirm requirements with UBCM, FNESS or BC Wildfire Service as appropriate.

How Provincial Fire & Safety Can Help

Provincial Fire & Safety provides training and safety services to organizations across British Columbia. We understand the importance of practical training, competent personnel and preparedness in communities where wildfire presents a significant risk.

We are interested in working with eligible communities to explore training opportunities that align with their wildfire preparedness objectives and the requirements of the FireSmart funding program.

Depending on the project's eligibility and requirements, potential opportunities may include coordinating suitable firefighter training, supporting training delivery and developing a proposal for an approved training initiative.

Wildland live-fire training has additional requirements, including the involvement of BC Wildfire Service and approval in principle before funding approval. Other courses, including standalone chainsaw training and general safety courses, should not be assumed eligible without confirmation.

Planning a FireSmart funding application? Contact Provincial Fire & Safety to discuss your community's training needs and explore whether we may be able to support your proposed project.

Start Planning for the 2027 Funding Intake

With the application deadline approaching, communities should begin identifying training needs, confirming program eligibility and engaging potential training partners as early as possible.

We encourage municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and fire departments to:

1. Review the 2027 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program guide.

2. Confirm applicant eligibility and any required FireSmart planning foundations.

3. Identify firefighter and emergency-management training priorities.

4. Verify that proposed courses and expenses qualify for funding.

5. Connect with an appropriate training provider to discuss project scope, scheduling and costs.

The program's application deadline is December 31, 2026. An information webinar is scheduled for October 21, 2026.

For official program details, eligibility requirements and application documents, visit the UBCM FireSmart Community Funding and Supports webpage.

Connect with Provincial Fire & Safety

Strong wildfire preparedness starts with planning, training and collaboration. Provincial Fire & Safety welcomes conversations with BC communities looking to strengthen their emergency response capabilities and explore suitable training opportunities.

Contact our team to discuss your community's training requirements and potential FireSmart funding opportunities.

Please note: Funding is subject to program eligibility, application review and approval. Provincial Fire & Safety does not guarantee grant approval or that any particular course or expense will qualify for funding. Applicants should verify eligibility directly with the program administrators before committing to a project.