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The Faro Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was developed through a collaborative effort between the Town of Faro and the Government of Yukon Wildland Fire Management Branch. Ember Research Services Ltd and Forsite were contracted and provided significant contributions towards the technical assessments and recommendations herein, as well as the writing of the plan.
The CWPP addresses the wildland-urban interface (WUI) surrounding the community of Faro. The area of interest is within the traditional territory of the Ross River Dena Council.
Using the best available spatial data and fire science research, this CWPP identifies the wildfire risks surrounding the community, the potential consequences of a wildfire to the community, and recommends possible ways to reduce that risk. Although wildfire threats cannot be eliminated within the area of interest, this CWPP can significantly build on existing efforts to reduce the risk and potential impacts.
The recommendations are based on a review of best practices from other jurisdictions, gaps identified through community engagement, the local wildfire risk analysis, prevention of human-caused ignitions, and integration of FireSmart program principles.
Of 20 Action Items detailed in the CWPP, some of the highest priority recommendations include:
1. Community engagement: The public needs to know about the Plan.
2. Ongoing awareness: Conduct annual community meetings in support of the CWPP and community preparedness.
3. Promote FireSmart Principles.
4. Organize community clean-up days for properties. Prioritize properties based upon FireSmart Home Assessments done and proximity to forest fuels.
5. Organize Wildfire Preparedness Days in identified high risk areas, collaborate with Yukon Wildfire and local fire department.
6. Design a fuel management plan to reduce fuel loads in high coniferous areas, particularly conifers in the old burn scars.
7. Support community members to clean up vegetation in their Home Ignition Zone.
8. Pursue and coordinate cross training opportunities.
In the last few years, Yukoners have seen the devastation that wildland fires have wreaked across Canada. Often, by the time the danger is identified, it is often too late to do anything but evacuate. The 2024 Community Wildfire Protection Plan that has been developed for the Town of Faro recognizes the problem areas and provides recommendations to reduce those risks. It also proposes training more people to work to protect our region.
