FireSmart Program

FireSmart Program

Long Lake Heights is surrounded by forest, which is part of what makes it a beautiful place to live — and part of what makes wildfire preparedness important. The community has participated in the FireSmart program since 2019, and in 2020 the City of Nanaimo recognized the neighbourhood’s efforts through the Community Resiliency Investment Fund.

What is FireSmart?

FireSmart is a national program that helps homeowners reduce the risk of wildfire damage through practical steps around their homes and properties. It’s not about clearing the landscape — it’s about managing the space immediately around your home so a fire is less likely to reach the structure.

The 1.5-metre non-combustible zone

The most important step is maintaining a non-combustible zone within 1.5 metres of your home’s exterior. Keep that area clear of dry vegetation, wood mulch, firewood stacks, and combustible materials.

Beyond that zone, the goal is reducing fuel buildup: removing dead branches, keeping grass short, and pruning trees so branches don’t overhang the roof. Part of the community’s ongoing wildfire preparedness work involves reducing ladder fuels — the lower branches that can carry a ground fire up into the tree canopy. Trimming the lower 2 metres of branches on trees near your home makes a real difference.

Warning: No flame weed control devices

Do not use flame or propane weed control devices anywhere in Long Lake Heights. A fire occurred in the community in 2025 caused by one of these devices. Use manual weeding, mulch, or approved herbicides instead.

Seasonal checklist

Spring

  • Clear winter deadfall and debris from around your home
  • Clean gutters and roof of accumulated needles and leaves
  • Prune branches within 2 metres of the ground

Summer

  • Keep grass under 10 centimetres
  • Maintain the non-combustible zone throughout the dry season
  • Keep your barbecue area clean and supervise it while in use
  • Do not toss cigarette butts. In dry conditions, a discarded butt can smoulder for hours before igniting vegetation

Fall

  • Clear fallen leaves and needles from around the home
  • Remove dead plants from gardens
  • Store firewood at least 10 metres from the house

Year-round

  • Ensure working smoke detectors on each floor
  • Have a household emergency plan ready

Annual FireSmart event

Each spring, the strata provides bins for residents to clear dry brush, fallen branches, and other potential wildfire fuel from their properties — at no cost. The event typically runs over the May long weekend, alongside the Red Bin yard waste collection. Clearing brush within 1.5 metres of your home during this weekend doubles as FireSmart prep and general spring cleanup.

Check the Events Calendar for this year’s dates, or watch for announcements in the community Facebook group.

→ See the Red Bin Program page for details on what the bins accept.

Resources

  • FireSmart BC — firesmartbc.ca — homeowner manuals, landscaping guides, and videos
  • City of Nanaimo Fire Rescue — nanaimo.ca/firesmart — local FireSmart information and contacts