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Parkland County Fire Services is thrilled to announce that Century Gates is the first neighbourhood in Parkland County to achieve the official FireSmart™ Canada Recognized Neighbourhood designation! This is a national program developed to officially recognize neighbourhoods that have taken critical steps to reduce their vulnerability to wildland fires. The program focuses on bringing neighbours together to address threats on their respective properties, and those in common areas within the community.

“Congratulations to Century Gates on completing their application for recognition as a FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood! Your commitment to FireSmart showcases the strength of neighbours working together to understand their unique wildfire risk and taking collective action to increase resilience,” said Laura Stewart, Provincial FireSmart Liaison.

This remarkable milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible dedication of Charlene, the Neighbourhood Champion for Century Gates, whose job was to rally the neighbours and act as a point of contact between the local FireSmart Coordinator and the residents. The efforts of all community members who came together to make this achievement a reality is outstanding.

“FireSmart has changed our urban community of Century Gates in so many ways. It has opened our eyes to fire behaviours and how it can affect our land and our homes in the event of a wildfire,” said Charlene.“ It started with the Parkland County fire department coming out and doing home assessments and then developing it into an Emergency Response Plan for our community in the case of a wildfire. This includes a preventative maintenance plan that deals with clearing fuels, such as trees and wood piles away from structures, and knocking down tall grass.”

FireSmart initiatives help strengthen communities against the risk of wildfires. Parkland County Fire Services looks forward to continuing to work with Century Gates and any other neighbourhoods interested in becoming FireSmart.

“The Firesmart journey has brought out the best in community spirit and participation in reducing the risk of wildlife. We are now more than just ourselves,” said Charlene.

If you’d like to learn more about how your neighbourhood can get involved, contact firesmart@parklandcounty.com or visit www.parklandcounty.com/FireSmart. Working together to increase resilience to wildland fire is a great way to get to know your neighbours and build a greater sense of community.

Let’s work together to make every corner of Parkland County FireSmart.