WILDFIRE PREVENTION & RESPONSE
ACROSS BC
The Okanagan is one of BC’s highest-risk wildfire regions. LocPro provides FireSmart-aligned prevention services and water transportation support — helping protect properties, communities and the people on the front lines.
Wildfire Risk in
the Okanagan
The Okanagan Valley’s hot, dry summers and forested interface zones create some of the most significant wildfire risk in BC. Understanding what drives that risk is the first step to reducing it.
• HIGH RISK FACTOR
CLIMATE & DROUGHT
The Okanagan receives significantly less precipitation than other BC regions. Combined with hot summers and drought conditions, vegetation dries out early which dramatically increased fire risk and spread potential in the region.
• HIGH RISK FACTOR
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
Homes and properties built into forested hillsides and interface zones face direct exposure to wildfire. Properties with untreated vegetation and fuel loads are particularly vulnerable to ember cast and direct flame contact.
• KEY CONSIDERATION
WIND & TERRAIN
Homes and properties built into forested hillsides and interface zones face direct exposure to wildfire. Properties with untreated vegetation and fuel loads are particularly vulnerable to ember cast and direct flame contact.
• KEY CONSIDERATION
FUEL ACCUMULATION
Years of fuel accumulation — dead wood, dense shrubs and dry grasses — create intense fire conditions when ignited. Regular fuel management around structures significantly reduces this risk.
• WHAT YOU CAN DO
FireSmart Your Property
The FireSmart program provides clear guidance on how to modify your property to reduce wildfire risk. LocPro can assess your property against FireSmart standards and carry out the necessary work.
• WHAT YOU CAN DO
BOOK EARLY IN THE SEASON
Prevention work is most effective when completed before fire season. Demand for wildfire mitigation services peaks in late spring — contact LocPro early to secure your spot and protect your property in time.
FireSmart Priority
Zones Explained
FireSmart BC divides properties into priority zones based on distance from structures. LocPro works within all zones to reduce your property’s risk level.
1
0-10M
Immediate Zone
The home itself and the area directly surrounding it, within 1.5 metres of all structures. This zone has the greatest potential to cause a home to ignite from embers — non-combustible materials and clear surfaces are essential here.
2
10-30M
INTERMEDIATE Zone
The area from 1.5–10 metres around the home. Vegetation should be well-maintained and fire-resistant. Trees should be separated with no continuous cover that could carry fire to the structure.
3
30-100M
EXTENDED Zone
The area 10–30 metres from the home. Tree and shrub density should be reduced to slow fire spread and reduce the intensity of approaching fire before it reaches the intermediate zone.
+
ACCESS
Access & Egress
Driveways and access routes must be clear and maintained to allow for emergency vehicle access and resident evacuation. LocPro can assess and improve access route condition as part of your property assessment.
Not sure where your property stands? LocPro offers free site assessments to evaluate your property against FireSmart standards and recommend practical steps to reduce your risk level.
Our Prevention ProcesS
CONTACT
Call Karl or submit our contact form. Tell us about your property and your concerns.
SITE ASSESSMENT
We visit your property and assess wildfire risk against FireSmart standards. Free of charge.
Custom Quote
We provide a detailed, no-obligation quote based on your property’s specific needs and risk level.
PREVENTION WORK
Our certified crew carries out all agreed mitigation and fuel management work safely and efficiently.
Documentation
We provide post-work documentation suitable for insurance and compliance requirements.
Wildfire Services for
Every Property Type
From wildfire prevention and water hauling to industrial construction and custom fabrication — LocPro delivers reliable, professional services across British Columbia.
BC Homeowners
We help individual property owners in the Okanagan and across BC understand and reduce their wildfire risk through free assessments and practical, FireSmart-aligned mitigation work.
Strata Councils & Property Managers
Multi-unit and managed properties often have complex vegetation and access requirements. We work with strata councils and property managers to assess and treat shared spaces efficiently.
BC Wildfire Service & Industrial
LocPro is certified and equipped to support BC Wildfire Services with water transportation, construction support, and MTC units and industrial operators in wildfire risk zones.
Book Before Wildfire
Season Peaks
Wildfire prevention work is most effective — and booking availability is highest — early in the season. We strongly encourage property owners to contact us in early spring to schedule their assessment before demand peaks.
Common Questions
Answers to questions we’re frequently asked about wildfire risk, FireSmart and our prevention services.
What is FireSmart?
FireSmart is a national program that helps homeowners and communities reduce their vulnerability to wildfire. It provides a framework for managing vegetation, materials and landscaping around structures to reduce ignition risk. LocPro aligns all prevention services with FireSmart standards.
How do I know if my property is at risk?
Properties in or adjacent to forested areas, on slopes, or in areas with dense dry vegetation are at elevated risk. The easiest way to know for certain is to book a free site assessment with LocPro — we’ll evaluate your property and explain what we find.
When should I book prevention work?
As early in the season as possible — ideally late winter or early spring. Availability fills quickly as wildfire season approaches and demand for mitigation work peaks in late spring and early summer.
What does a site assessment involve?
One of our crew visits your property to assess fuel loads, vegetation, access routes and your home’s construction against FireSmart zone guidelines. The assessment is free and results in a clear explanation of your risk level and the work we recommend.
Will this work help with my insurance?
Many insurers are increasingly interested in documented wildfire mitigation work, particularly in high-risk areas. We provide post-work documentation that can be shared with your insurer. We recommend consulting your insurer directly about their specific requirements.
Do you work with BC Wildfire Service?
Yes. LocPro is BC SAFE Forest Certified and equipped to support BC Wildfire Service operations with water transportation, construction support and MTC units. Hourly rates for BC WS work are set by the BC Wildfire Service and BC Construction Agency.