Our project proposes a cultural mapping of fire mitigation awareness in Kamloops (Canada)
neighbourhoods, employing deep community consultation and visualization methods to identify drivers
of community engagement and the degree of observance of FireSmart principles. To date, survey
research on Canada’s FireSmart program has identified a significant correlation between
neighbourhood awareness and individual preparedness. Once introduced to FireSmart BC, 84% of
those surveyed believe that it offers value to the province and its citizens. While approximately 60% of
those who become very familiar with FireSmart go on to seek information on how to protect their
homes, only 3% of those unaware of FireSmart programming seek out such information. Surveys show
that a stunning 76% are either unaware or not very familiar with FireSmart BC. Understanding and
addressing this awareness gap is thus crucial for increasing community uptake and participation in
wildfire mitigation and prevention—and is, we argue, most acute for smaller communities in BC's
interior.