Located near Ashcroft, BC, Honour Ranch is a sanctuary dedicated to the mental health and well-being of veterans, military members, first responders, and emergency personnel. Operated by the Honour House Society, the Ranch provides a peaceful, restorative setting where front-line workers can access mental health support, peer connection, and recovery programming.
A Wildfire Wake-Up Call
In recent years, Honour Ranch has faced the growing threat of wildfires. This danger became all too real in 2021 when a fast-moving wildfire reached the very edge of their property. Flames came dangerously close to consuming the entire facility. This near-tragedy became a turning point for the Ranch as the staff saw how vulnerable rural properties can be and the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk.
“ If a fire comes through the timber, it doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, what’s in the way, it’ll take you out,” says David Hodgson, a volunteer property manager at Honour Ranch. “It has no respect for life, nature, anything. It just moves forward, and when it goes out the other side, there’s nothing left. So the only way to have it respect you is to respect it. And prepare for it.”
Taking Action with FireSmart
Following that close call, Honour Ranch transformed its approach to wildfire mitigation. They embraced a wide array of FireSmart strategies aimed at better protecting the property and ensuring it remains a safe space for those who rely on it.
Some of the key changes include:
- Removing flammable vegetation around buildings and high-risk areas
- Paving over grassy zones to eliminate easily ignitable fuel sources
- Choosing fire-resistant building materials for future renovations and new structures
Alan Waterman, board member for Honour Ranch, reflected on how FireSmart has been so valuable for Honour Ranch. “FireSmart has been great in giving us advice as to what we should be doing around here. They offer retreats right here for wildfire fighters to help them heal. With the increased fire activity over the last few years, they need some downtime in order to process what they’ve been through, and that’s why we’re here for them as well.”
These FireSmart practices are especially relevant for rural properties across British Columbia, where the risks of wildfire can be amplified by limited firefighting resources, longer emergency response times, and dense surrounding vegetation. What Honour Ranch has accomplished shows that properties in remote or high-risk areas can take manageable, proactive steps to significantly improve safety. Their work offers a practical blueprint that other landowners can adapt, whether by reducing fuel load or rethinking landscaping choices.
Serving Those Who Serve
Honour Ranch was created as a place of healing for veterans, first responders, and emergency personnel—people who often carry invisible wounds from a lifetime of service. At the ranch, guests find a quiet space where they’re understood. It offers mental health support, peer-based recovery programs, and the kind of calm, natural setting that allows for deep rest and reflection.
Retired Fire Chief Tim Armstrong understands firsthand the importance of a refuge like Honour Ranch. “I can honestly say, as a fire chief who’s gone through burnout myself in the past, the work they do here at Honour House Ranch for the military, for our policing, for our paramedics, for our people in the fire service, it’s incredible. I’m proud to have this in my backyard.”
That’s why FireSmart matters so much here. As wildfires become more intense and more frequent, it’s essential that the spaces built to support mental health are resilient themselves. By becoming FireSmart, Honour Ranch is ensuring that its doors remain open to those who need it most.
David echoes this sentiment. “I’m happy to be able to help put this ranch together so that it’ll help the people coming behind me. I’ll be here as long as I can because it’s therapy for me. This is heaven on earth right here.”
A Model for Resilient Communities
Wildfire preparedness is not reserved for municipalities or government agencies. Every property, especially those in high-risk areas, has a role to play. By integrating FireSmart principles into its daily operations and long-term planning, the Ranch shows what’s possible for rural properties across BC.
Their approach reflects the FireSmart ethos: practical, science-based steps that reduce risk and empower communities. Whether it’s clearing gutters, removing fuel, or thinking differently about landscaping, small changes add up—and they can make all the difference.
As BC experiences longer, more intense wildfire seasons, it’s never been more urgent to assess your own level of preparedness. Ask yourself: What steps have I taken to protect my home, property, and community? What more can I do?
FireSmart provides the tools, knowledge, and support to help you take meaningful action—no matter where you live. Just like Honour Ranch, your efforts can help protect not only what you own, but what you value most: safety, peace of mind, and the people who matter.
Learn MoreVisit FireSmartBC.ca/prepare to explore FireSmart principles and resources you can use to protect your property. To learn more about Honour Ranch and the Honour House Society, visit honourhouse.ca.
