Wildfire Preparedness Plan (WPP)
As climate conditions shift, proactive wildfire preparation is essential to protect County Forests, surrounding communities, and ecological values. The WPP outlines strategies to reduce fire risk, improve response capacity, and ensure public safety.
Objectives:
- Minimize the likelihood and impact of wildfires through prevention and mitigation
- Enhance readiness for wildfire detection, response, and recovery
- Protect forest infrastructure, biodiversity, and adjacent properties
- Coordinate with provincial and municipal emergency services
Risk Assessment and Prevention
Wildfire risk will be assessed using factors such as fuel load, forest type, topography, access routes, and proximity to residential areas.
Key prevention measures:
- Fuel management
- Thinning overstocked stands and removing deadwood in high-risk zones
- Maintaining defensible space around infrastructure and forest edges
- Access improvements
- Upgrading forest roads and trails to ensure emergency vehicle access
- Installing fire gates and signage where appropriate
- Public education and outreach
- Promoting fire-safe practices among forest users
- Posting seasonal fire risk alerts and restrictions
- Monitoring and surveillance
- Regular field inspections to detect early signs of fire risk
- Collaborating with Conservation Authorities and fire services for real-time updates
Response Planning
A coordinated response framework will be developed in partner with the OMNRF, local fire departments, and emergency management agencies.
Key components:
- Emergency access maps for all County Forests including 911 addresses
- Designated staging areas for firefighting equipment and personnel
- Communication protocols for rapid reporting and dispatch
- Training and drills for County Staff and partners
Recovery and Restoration
Post-fire recovery will focus on:
- Assessing ecological damage and soil stability
- Replanting native species where necessary
- Monitoring regeneration and invasive species encroachment
- Updating management plans based on lessons learned
Integration
This plan complements the County Forest Health Monitoring Program, Biodiversity Conservation, and Infrastructure Improvement Schedule. Together, these initiatives support a resilient and adaptive forest management system.