The provincial government is investing more than $2.6 million to help 50 communities prepare for and respond to wildfires.

From left: Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy; Saint John-Kennebecasis MP Wayne Long; Natural Resources Minister John Herron; Alyson Townsend, minister responsible for labour; Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department Chief Mike Boyle; and Health Minister John Dornan.

The funding is part of a $14.5-million federal-provincial investment under Natural Resources Canada's Resilient Communities through FireSmart program.

"We were extremely fortunate not to have lost any lives or infrastructure this past summer, and we anticipate that the wildfire risk to our province is going to continue to increase due to climate change," said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. "These resiliency plans are essential for ensuring that communities are prepared and will contribute to government's wildfire management priorities of protecting human life, critical infrastructure, communities and natural resources from the threat of wildfire."

The first phase of the funding will allow communities to hire consultants to develop a strategic framework.

"Wildfire risks vary from one region to another," said Saint John-Kennebecasis MP Wayne Long. "These plans are crucial for tailoring solutions to the realities of local communities in New Brunswick. This investment ensures that communities have the expertise and resources to strengthen their resilience and protect their families, homes and critical infrastructure for years to come."

Long attended for federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.

There are typically four components of a community wildfire resiliency plan:

• Risk assessment: identifying areas in the community that are most vulnerable to wildfires.
• Mitigation strategies: implementing measures to reduce wildfire risks, such as creating defensible spaces, improving building codes and managing vegetation.
• Emergency response: developing plans for evacuation, firefighting and communication during a wildfire.
• Community engagement: educating and involving community members in wildfire preparedness and resilience efforts.

"Our communities have varied needs and risk factors in terms of wildfires," said Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy. "Identifying these factors, such as how close communities are located to heavily forested areas versus the different risks facing urban communities, will enable communities to be better prepared for their unique needs."

FireSmartNB is part of the national FireSmart program within the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which helps people increase neighbourhood resilience to wildfires and minimize their negative impacts. It offers resources, programs and recommendations to help individuals, landscape planners, forest managers and others protect homes and communities from wildfires.