The City of Kamloops has two rebate programs that incentivize homeowners to take proactive steps to mitigate fire risk based on recommendations from an in-person FireSmart assessment done by a member of Kamloops Fire Rescue. These rebate programs are funded with support from the Intact Financial Corporation Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant and the Climate Action Fund.
Community Fuel Reduction Incentive program
FireSmart Home Improvement Rebate program
Who Can Get a FireSmart Assessment
Residential properties within the City of Kamloops' municipal boundary can apply for a free FireSmart assessment. If the assessment identifies fire preventative actions eligible for rebates, they will be outlined for the property owner.
Available Funding
The overall budget for both rebate programs is $140,000 annually for 2026 and 2027. Each year, funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis between March 16 and November 15. Recipients are required to provide verification of completed work to receive the rebates. For the FireSmart Home Improvement Rebate program, purchase receipts are also required.
Rebate Eligibility
Both rebates are only eligible for work recommended by a FireSmart assessor, as noted in the assessment form provided to the homeowner.
To be eligible for either rebate, homeowners must complete their work and submit the final verification form by November 15 of the program year. At that time, any reserved funding will be released for use by future program participants.
Community Fuel Reduction Incentive Program Eligibility
- Properties must be a single-family home or duplex.
- The incentive covers recommended cedar and juniper vegetation removal (trees, shrubs, and hedges).
- Cedar and juniper vegetation must be located within 5 m of structures on the property (house, sheds, neighbour’s house).
- Vegetation that has been removed must be fully removed from the property.
FireSmart Home Improvement Rebate Program Eligibility
- The incentive covers home improvement costs focusing on the immediate and intermediate zones (up to 10 m distance from structures on the property).
- The homeowner can only claim reimbursement for materials and services purchased with proof of payment in the form of a receipt.
- Properties may be a strata or multi-unit dwelling; however, the maximum rebate would be $1,000, regardless of the number of units.
How to Participate
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3—minus the physical work, of course!
- Step 1: FireSmart Assessment - Book and complete a FireSmart assessment. The completed assessment form will indicate if you are eligible for rebates and what work would qualify.
- Step 2: Expression of Intent Form - If you intend to follow through on work that has been recommended in a FireSmart assessment and any of that work is eligible for rebates, prepare to do the work (line up contractors if necessary) and then submit the Expression of Intent Form. Doing so will ensure that funding will be available to you up until November 15.
- Step 3: Verification - Once the recommended work is complete, submit the Verification Form to receive a final confirmation and your rebate. Please note that it can take up to 12 weeks to receive your funding once the Verification Form has been submitted.
Questions? Please direct all inquiries to firesmart@kamloops.ca.
Community Fuel Reduction Incentive FAQS
I had a FireSmart assessment completed previously. Do I need to get another one?
FireSmart assessments conducted in 2024 and 2025 will be reviewed by the assessor to determine if an updated assessment is required. Assessments completed in 2023 or earlier will require a new FireSmart assessment.
How long do I have to complete the work?
The Expression of Intent Form should be submitted once you are ready to do the work and contractors have been booked (if necessary). This allows the rebate program managers to reserve funding accordingly. Homeowners will have until November 15 of the program year to complete the work, at which time any reserved funding will be released for use by future program participants.
Can I do the removal or home improvement work myself?
Yes, as a property owner, you can complete the work yourself. However, for the FireSmart Home Improvement Rebate, receipts are required for all claims, so only labour and services purchased will be eligible for rebates. If completing the work yourself, you can claim any project materials (wood, nails, shingles, etc.) or equipment rentals required for the work, but the purchase of new tools, etc. would not be eligible.
How do I qualify for the incentive?
- You must own a single-family home or duplex (non-strata).
- Be willing to have a free FireSmart assessment of your property
- Must have hazardous vegetation identified by the Assessor within 5 m of structures on the property (house, sheds, neighbour’s house).
- Complete the work by November 1 each year or earlier.
I live in Sun Rivers / Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc land, do I qualify for this incentive?
Funding is available for properties that reside within the City of Kamloops municipal boundary only.
When will I receive my rebate?
Once you submit the Verification Form in step three and it is approved, the City of Kamloops will issue your rebate within 12 weeks of the final step.
My neighbour's property has cedars that are close to my home. How do I get these removed?
We encourage you to share the program information with your neighbour to help incentivize the removal of cedar or junipers on their property.
Does the full tree or bush need to be removed?
The stump from the tree or bush does not need to be removed to be eligible for the rebate. The vegetation cut down from the identified hazard(s) must be removed from the property before the final assessment review is completed to be eligible for the rebate.
Where can I dispose of the vegetation I have removed from my property?
Please drop off your material at one of several yard waste sites. Be sure to check the location, operating hours, and the type of yard waste accepted before arriving at your selected location.
Can I bring my stumps to a yard waste site?
Tree stumps can be dropped off for free at City yard waste sites, however, must be free of dirt and rocks (rinsed off) and cut to maximum of 3 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter. Dirt and sod are not accepted at yard waste sites. Dirt and sod can be taken to City landfills, disposal fees apply.
Is there an option to participate without completing the webforms?
If you have questions or are unable to complete our webforms, please call 250-828-3472 to request a free FireSmart assessment or for additional help with the Community Fuel Reduction Incentive.
What is not eligible under the FireSmart Home Improvement Rebate Program?
If you are completing the home improvement projects yourself, we will not cover your personal labour costs. We will also not cover the cost of new tools that may be required to complete the project (e.g. shovels, nail guns, etc.). The cost of tool rentals, if needed, will be covered.
Projects within the FireSmart extended zone (10 m–30 m) will not be covered.
Projects that replace current fire hazards with non-FireSmart-rated/recommended materials will not be covered.
Do I need to upload a receipt to receive my rebate?
For the Community Fuel Reduction Incentive program (removal of cedars and junipers), you will not need to upload a receipt.
For the new FireSmart Home Improvements Rebate program, you will need to upload an itemized receipt to receive the rebate. Receipts must show the products purchased, the cost of tool rental, or the cost of installation, depending on whether you are completing the work yourself or hiring someone.
I manage a multi-unit building/strata and have cedars and junipers next to our building. Am I eligible for the rebate?
Please email firesmart@kamloops.ca for more information.
