B.C. Forest Minister Ravi Parmar says the province is planning to rethink how it funds community FireSmart initiatives after topping up the program with a one-time $15 million boost in the latest budget. “There’s been a lot of success, but I need to ensure that that program is meeting the needs of communities,” Parmar said on Thursday, Feb. 20. …This fund began to run dry earlier this year, and the government imposed a closed intake starting on Jan. 30 to disburse the last $25 million. The deadline for communities to apply is April 30. …But they also sought more money. UBCM President Cori Ramsay wanted an additional $40 million. …Some communities, like West Kelowna, need this money — and more. West Kelowna has been forced to evacuate tens of thousands of residents and has lost hundreds of homes to fires in recent years.