Residents of View Royal, British Columbia, can now help protect their homes from wildfires by purchasing fire-resistant plants at local participating retailers. These businesses are official partners of the FireSmart BC Plant Program, which aims to reduce the risk of fire damage to properties.
The program offers plants specifically tagged for their fire-resistant properties, along with free landscaping guides for homeowners. These resources provide simple, effective ways to manage vegetation, such as keeping grass below 10 centimetres, clearing away dried leaves and needles, and properly storing firewood. These efforts are part of a broader Town of View Royal wildfire mitigation strategy, which included the completion of a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan in January 2025.
Ryan Eason, the FireSmart Coordinator and Wildfire Mitigation Specialist with View Royal Fire Rescue, says the initiative is an important step in protecting the community. He noted that the department is proud to offer the program to help residents minimize the impact of potential wildfires. The shift toward preventative measures follows a period of heightened wildfire activity across the province.
Residents looking for more information on how to keep their properties safe can reach out to the fire department by email at [email protected] or by calling 250-479-7322. Additional advice includes installing non-combustible wire mesh on exterior vents and maintaining a safe distance between firewood piles and homes.
