Lake Country, BC— The District of Lake Country, in partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), is inviting eligible residents to participate in a student-led Wildfire Self-Audit Toolkit project designed to help residents better understand and reduce wildfire risk around their properties.
The voluntary initiative, led by a UNBC student researcher working for the District of Lake Country in the Planning and Development department, provides participants with a structured self-assessment tool and practical recommendations based on recognized FireSmart BC guidance. The project aims to support residents in identifying opportunities to improve wildfire resilience while contributing valuable research on community preparedness, wildfire resilience, and risk reduction.
“Wildfires continue to be a growing concern for communities across British Columbia,” said LCFD Deputy Chief Brent Penner. “Lake Country has been very proactive in taking FireSmart action and offering free FireSmart property assessments. This student-led pilot project empowers residents to take an active role in understanding the factors that influence wildfire risk around their homes and provides practical steps they can take to enhance safety and reduce risk.”
Participation in the pilot is voluntary and anonymous. In compliance with university research ethics, the self-audit is open to residents who:
- Are 18 years of age or older;
- Complete this self-audit on private property; and
- Voluntarily agree to participate.
Participants complete a wildfire self-assessment and receive instant recommendations informed by FireSmart BC principles, Residents who complete the self-audit may also choose to receive an optional summary report, enter a gift card draw, or express interest in participating in a follow-up focus group.
“This project is about helping residents be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to wildfire risk around their homes,” said Curtis Huppee, District of Lake Country Planning student and UNBC undergraduate student leading the project. “By participating, residents can better understand wildfire risk around their properties, identify actions they can take today, and contribute to research that may help support more wildfire-resilient communities across BC.”
The project conducted in collaboration with the District of Lake Country is supported by the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC). The study has been reviewed and approved by the UNBC Research Ethics Board (REB #6010363).
The Wildfire Self-Audit Toolkit will remain open for participation until July 10, 2026.
Residents interested in participating can access the self-audit by scanning the QR code featured on project posters around the community or visiting the project webpage at: https://arcg.is/0j0P4r1
Media Contact
Zoe Callaghan
Communications Lead
District of Lake Country
Email: [email protected]
Research Contact
Curtis Huppee
University of Northern British Columbia
Email: [email protected]
The Wildfire Self-Audit Toolkit is a collaborative research project between the District of Lake Country and the University of Northern British Columbia, with support from the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC).
