Ember Comic
Ember helps the Patel family prepare for wildfire season and get FireSmart!
Multiple studies have shown that visual aids are very useful in absorbing information, and while generations of Canadians are familiar with Smokey Bear (created by the U.S. Forest Service in 1944), there were several reasons for a changing of the guard. The most obvious difference is in appearance: the way Ember was drawn represents new approaches to animated characters and how they appeal to modern audiences of all ages.
Ember helps the Patel family prepare for wildfire season and get FireSmart!
Below you'll find an Ember-themed crossword puzzle and answer key.
In this colouring book, Ember visits people's homes to show them her favourite FireSmart tips. Great for ages 4-8, kids will learn the basics on how to keep their homes and neighbourhoods safe from wildfire. This colouring book comes both in English and French.
Hear Ember's story, and see how she helps the people in Maple Grove stay FireSmart.
Designed with kids in mind, use this quick assessment with your children to see how at risk your home would be if there was a wildfire in your area.
Below you'll find Ember in various FireSmart word search games.
Draw a line connecting each image on the left side of this page to the best-fitting FireSmart tip on the right side of this page!
The FireSmart BC Library Program is the first children’s literacy program dedicated to wildfire resiliency! The FireSmart BC Library Program was designed to help children understand what it means to live with wildfires and the role they can play in mitigating the impacts of wildfires on their home and community.
Going forward, Ember’s job will be to put a friendly – but also alert and adaptable – face on FireSmart’s messages of preparedness and resilience.
She will be particularly effective when her likeness is used for toys, colouring books, and school curricula for children, but other merchandise also will appeal to older generations, reminding them of steps they can take to protect themselves and their neighbours. Ember will also begin making her way into FireSmart neighbourhoods and events throughout BC, connecting with local children to help get them excited about helping their families conduct FireSmart activities around the home.
Download press releaseThe Ember mascot suit is available for use at your local community FireSmart event if you are affiliated with a local government, First Nation or Indigenous community, or BCFSC member agency.
Request EmberIn October 2020, FireSmart Canada held a contest to determine their new mascot’s name. Of more than 500 submissions from across the country, the winning entry came from Arlene S. of British Columbia, who is actually a FireSmart representative for her community. She explained her choice by noting that “it only takes an ember to start a fire. An ember can turn ... smouldering ground fire to a forest fire in moments.”
Contest winners