How the Program Works

The FireSmart Wood Chipping Program offers free curbside pickup and chipping of flammable plant materials such as:

• Cedar hedges
• Juniper shrubs
• Mugo pine
• Conifer branches and prunings (spruce, fir, pine)

This program does not accept deciduous (leafy) trees and shrubs, grasses, flowers, bulk pine needles, roots, dirt, rocks, gravel, or non-organic materials. This program is designed to focus on the most flammable vegetation. Any materials that do not meet the program’s requirements will be left on site.

PICK-UP SCHEDULE

May 11, 2026
July 13, 2026
September 14, 2026

• Eligibility: Open to City of Merritt residents of single-family dwellings only.
• First-come, first-served basis. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful registration.
• Registration opens: March 1, 2026

All acceptable materials must be placed curbside by 7:00 am on the assigned pickup day to ensure collection.

Preparing Your Materials for Pickup

Chippers are capable of chipping up to 15” diameter. To help ensure safe and efficient chipping, follow these guidelines:

• Align Brush with the Road: Place branches and limbs in a neat pile with the cut ends facing the road.
• Keep Debris Manageable: Place debris in a way that allows vegetation to be easily separated by crews. Avoid creating large piles with intertwined branches.
• Remove Unacceptable Materials: Do not include stumps, dirt, roots, rocks, or non-organic debris.
• Ensure Clearance: Keep piles at least 3 feet away from fences, mailboxes, parked cars, or other obstructions.
• Keep Work Areas Safe: Ensure piles are not blocking driveways, roadways, or fire hydrants.

Why Remove These Plants?

Certain trees and shrubs contain volatile oils and resins that ignite easily, making them a fire hazard. By removing these highly flammable plants, homeowners can significantly reduce fire intensity and spread near their properties.

For tips on fire-resistant landscaping, check out the FireSmart BC Landscaping Guide. You can also visit FireSmart BC’s Fire-resistant plants page to select trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers, grasses, perennials and biennials, annuals and bulbs that are best suited in our area.

Additional FireSmart Initiatives

• FireSmart Home Assessments: Sign up for a free assessment by a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist.
• Community FireSmart Initiatives: Learn how your neighbourhood can become FireSmart.
• Wildfire Preparedness Resources: Access guides, videos, and checklists to improve your home’s wildfire resilience.

Have Questions?

For more information about the FireSmart Wood Chipping Program, contact us: Email: firesmart@merritt.ca
Phone: 250-378-5626

Report a Wildfire

To report a wildfire or fire-related emergency, contact BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 from a cellphone.

Protect Your Home, Protect Your Community

Wildfire prevention starts with you. Removing flammable vegetation is a key step in making Merritt a safer, more resilient community. Sign up today and take action to safeguard your home against wildfires.