WMS of the Month
Every month we highlight a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) that is making a major impact in their local community. Know of a WMS that deserves recognition? Submit their name below.

Current recipient

Kevin Utz
Telkwa BC
1) Tell us about yourself, Kevin. I have been a volunteer firefighter for 6 years with Telkwa Fire Rescue. I have lived with my family in Telkwa since 2017 and grew up just 15kms down the road in Smithers. I have 20 years’ experience as a carpenter where I had the privilege of building many new homes and renovations. My knowledge from my construction background has been an asset to firefighting and educating FireSmart within the community.
2) Where do you live and what geographical area do you cover? Telkwa BC, North-West region
3) How long have you been a WMS? I have been a WMS for 1 year but took the job full time this past May.
4) What made you decide that you wanted to be an WMS and support homeowners on how to become FireSmart? I wanted to bring knowledge from my construction and firefighting background together to help improve the wildfire resilience and education to my community.
5) What would you say are your 2 biggest challenges as a WMS ? Learning how to feel more comfortable with public speaking, and learning how to navigate the FireSmart program in the first few months.
6) What are some of your successes with the FireSmart program? 38 assessments, 4 FireSmart 101 presentations, 15 booth pop-ups, the Library Program, and the Education Program- where I had a wonderful experience with the grade 4 class last week, and a great time with the grade 6 and kindergarten class during their outdoor education class
7) What has been your favourite project/event you have done with your local FireSmart Program? Education Program- I put together a PowerPoint and taught the class a quick class then brought them outside to show them my demo treatment project and discuss fuels in the forest and around our homes. Then we burned my HIZ models- It worked perfectly.
8) What advice would you give to other WMSs? Stay persistent, stay positive, don’t be scared of public presentations. (it actually can be fun)
9) What is your favourite aspect of the FireSmart BC website ? Easy to navigate with lots of information.
Nominate a WMS
Know of a great WMS? Perfect! Nominate them today by using our submission form, or by sending us an email to info@firesmartbc.ca with their name and why you’d like to nominate them.








