Ready, set, rake!
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is fired up (in a good way) to introduce its dynamic 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) Team — your friendly neighbourhood experts here to help you FireSmart your property, access up to $5,000 in rebates, and reduce wildfire risks one lawnmower pass at a time.
Whether it’s clearing roofs and gutters, creating fire-resistant landscaping, or relocating combustibles, these specialists are here to make it easier, and more rewarding, than ever for residents to take proactive steps before wildfire season heats up.
“We’ve got a great, experienced, and enthusiastic team,” says Carlene Pires, RDKB’s regional FireSmart coordinator.
“There’s already strong interest from community members to FireSmart their homes. The program is gaining traction, rebates are a great incentive, and we’re starting the season with a waitlist that built over winter, which is a fantastic sign. Our team is more than ready to hit the ground running.”
Meet your 2025 FireSmart all-stars:
Robbie McClary – (New) Wildfire Mitigation Lead (All of RDKB)
After working closely with residents in the Greater Trail Area last year, Robbie steps into a new leadership role in 2025, supporting the whole WMS team and helping to expand FireSmart efforts across the region.
Robbie will be making appearances at events throughout the season—stop by and say hi!
Ruby Nixon-Bilski – Greater Trail Area
A true Kootenay local with seven years in BC Wildfire Service, Ruby has moved from wildfire suppression into wildfire prevention, and she’s loving it.
“After years on the frontlines, it feels amazing to help communities get ahead of the risk,” says Ruby.
When she’s not FireSmarting, you’ll find her skiing, hiking, biking, or climbing her way through the Kootenays.
Darren Remenda – Christina Lake and Grand Forks
A returning FireSmart pro and Christina Lake Fire Department member, Darren brings local know-how and a deep commitment to wildfire safety.
In 2024 alone, he completed over 100 FireSmart assessments.
“It’s only a matter of time before our area faces a wildfire threat. I’m here to help you prepare before that day comes.”
Liam Geary – Greenwood, Midway, Rock Creek, Bridesville and Mount Baldy
Liam brings his construction background and fire service experience as a Grand Forks Fire Department member to a newly dedicated area now getting its own full-time Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for the first time.
With expertise in building materials, wildlife habitats, and local tree species, Liam is excited to help these communities take their FireSmart efforts to the next level.
More help Is on the way: dedicated Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for the Big White to Rock Creek corridor will be coming soon.
Residents who complete a free FireSmart Home Assessment with a WMS are eligible for rebates of up to $5,000 on mitigation work.
It’s a 50 per cent cost-share, so for every dollar you spend improving wildfire resilience, you get 50 cents back.
From clearing brush to upgrading siding and moving woodpiles, it all adds up.
The rebate application intake runs up to Oct. 31, and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available.
Assessments are confidential, free, and participation is easy.
Book yours today and start making positive changes to your home ignition zones.
Contact the RDKB WMS team by email firesmart@rdkb.com, telephone: 250-368-0259 or online: https://emergency.rdkb.com/FireSmart.
See the team in action - you’ll find RDKB’s WMS team at community events and farmers markets all summer long.
Upcoming appearances include:
Big White Community Clean-Up – June 21
Mount Baldy Wildfire Preparedness Weekend – June 27–29
