Aviva and FNESS launch wildfire resilience pilot for First Nations
Aviva Canada is providing $300,000 in funding to the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of British Columbia (FNESS) to launch a structural fire-hardening pilot program aimed at reducing wildfire risk in First Nations communities.
The program will begin with the Ashcroft Indian Band and is designed to help communities move from wildfire risk assessments to implementing mitigation measures that strengthen buildings against ember ignition.
According to Aviva, embers are responsible for up to 90% of wildfire-related structural losses. The insurer also said it has seen a more than 1,900% increase in customer wildfire claims compared to the previous five-year period.
The initiative will focus on practical mitigation measures such as removing combustible vegetation, sealing gaps, screening vents, and making targeted building improvements to reduce ember intrusion. The program will also support training for Wildfire Mitigation Specialists and prioritize residential properties, with the potential to expand to critical infrastructure if additional funding becomes available.
The announcement builds on Aviva Canada’s broader climate resilience efforts. Earlier this year, the insurer launched two pilot projects in Alberta to test climate-resilient building practices and continues its partnership with Wildfire Defense Systems to help protect homes in wildfire-prone regions across Canada.
“We know that as wildfires become more frequent and severe, the impact of those events is not felt equally. Through this work with FNESS, we’re able to support practical, community-led solutions that build resilience in ways that respect and reflect Indigenous leadership, knowledge and priorities.” – Urs Uhlmann, managing director of Global Corporate & Specialty at Aviva Canada.
“In the true spirit of reconciliation, Aviva Canada has taken a step to support First Nations communities in preparing ahead of time for the challenges of a wildfire event.” Malina Garner, mitigation manager at FNESS.