Whereas climate change is real, and is accelerating faster than most climate scientists have predicted; And whereas climate change, coupled with the continued drought experienced in British Columbia is heightening wildfire risk particularly in the Interior of British Columbia; And whereas the BC Wildfire Service is comprised of highly skilled, trained and dedicated firefighters, additional equipment and resources are very costly to the taxpayers of British Columbia in a time when other costs are straining the livability of a large proportion of British Columbians; And whereas home hardening and fire-resilient landscaping are one of the least expensive and most effective ways to protect communities against wildfire disasters: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to reconsider its decision to reduce funding for the FireSmart program particularly for vulnerable, small communities who are at high risk of wildfire and whose residents are at their limit of taxation and other living costs.
