Our province has seen firsthand the threat and impact of wildfires in our communities. With 2025's devastating forest fire season top of mind, the Provincial Government is launching a program to help communities reduce the risk of wildfire and better protect homes, critical infrastructure, and the environment around them.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program is a community approach to wildfire resilience that helps identify and reduce wildfire risks. The program supports local risk assessments, fuel management planning, and mitigation activities. It also strengthens community-level emergency preparedness by providing guidance to property owners to help them protect their homes from wildfires.

Communities are encouraged to apply for funding to develop Community Wildland Fire Resiliency Plans. These plans will incorporate education, emergency planning, vegetation management, and other principles to implement wildfire prevention and mitigation projects at a community level.

As part of expanded FireSmart programming in Newfoundland and Labrador, a provincial FireSmart committee will work with Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, local service districts, and other agencies.

Applications are open until March 10, 2026 and are available here. For information, contact FireSmart@gov.nl.ca.

The program is supported by a $12.8-million joint investment from the Federal and Provincial Governments under Natural Resources Canada's Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program.

In 2025, the province recorded 249 wildland fires, more than doubling the historical average of 118. Wildfires burned 18,486.6 hectares (185 km²), with hundreds of structures destroyed and thousands of residents evacuated.

Quotes

"Like the rest of our country, Newfoundland and Labrador is seeing more wildfires near our homes. Our government is committed to helping ensure we live in safe communities, and this new program will advance that goal. Working together with local partners and FireSmart Newfoundland and Labrador, we will provide the best advice and support available to help keep our residents safe."

Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

"No Canadian should have to worry about a wildfire threatening their community but as extreme weather increases, the Government of Canada is providing provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and partners with the support they need to prevent and respond to wildfires. Investing in Newfoundland and Labrador's work to reduce wildfire risks at the local level is an important way to build a safer, more resilient Canada."

Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Learn more

• Canada Announces Major Investments to Improve Resilience Against Wildfires
• FireSmart Canada
• Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre