FireSmart (Canada) and Firewise (USA) programs have partnered to collaborate on wildfire issues across North America through information sharing and resource exchange. Both programs work to educate communities on reducing wildfire risk, with FireSmart beginning in 1990 in Canada and Firewise emerging in the 1990s in the US. Going forward, the collaboration aims to strengthen partnerships between the two programs through a memorandum of understanding and addressing challenges like increasing membership and securing funding.

1. Collaboration Across BordersA Partnership between FireSmart (Canada) and Firewise (USA)Kelly JohnstonMolly Mowery

2. OverviewCurrent Wildfire Issues in North AmericaFireSmart and Firewise ProgramsCollaboration – Why and HowPhoto credit: Michael Bond

3. Wildfire Issues in North AmericaWildland-Urban Interface (WUI) TrendsEconomic ConstraintsEnvironmental Concerns

4. FireSmart (Canada)Administered by Partners in Protection Assc.Began in 1990 as largely Alberta-based 1st Edition FireSmart Manual (1999)Developed using reference material from Canadian organizations, NFPA 2nd Edition (2003) Significant increase in support

5. Firewise (USA)Administered by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)Partnership with US Forest Service, US Dept of the Interior, National Association of State Foresters“Firewise” term emerged in 1990s

6. Firewise Communities/USA®2002: 12 pilots launched

7. 2010: Nearly 700 recognized communities in 41 states throughout the U.S.

8. www.firewise.orgWhy Collaboration?Need for unified efforts in CanadaCompatible mission statementsOpportunity to share success of Firewise programInformation/ Resource Exchange

9. Collaboration: Moving ForwardMemorandum of UnderstandingChallenges and GoalsStrengthen PartnershipsAcknowledging DifferencesIncrease Membership Secure Funding

10. THANK YOU!Kelly Johnstonkjohnston@kamloops.cawww.partnersinprotection.ab.caMolly Mowerymmowery@nfpa.orgwww.firewise.orgwww.nfpa.org