The Wildland and Interface Fire Regional Workshop, hosted by Metro Vancouver on March 9, highlighted that our changing climate requires a collaborative effort from all orders of government, First Nations, and other agencies to better protect our communities from the increased risk of wildfires.
In his opening keynote, wildland fire specialist Dr. Michael Flannigan made it clear that climate change has brought a “new reality” of more intense, more frequent, and less predictable fires that require greater collaboration and adaptation. He said that applying First Nations knowledge and practices is critical in planning for and battling wildfires, and that even how we design our communities — such as putting grass breaks (like sports fields) on the edges of new communities — has a role to play.
Based on the extreme weather and wildfires over the past five years, we can expect more hot, dry summers and an increased risk of wildfires in the long term.
