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Educating Youth About Wildfire Mitigation and Prevention Cultural Burning and Prescribed Fire 

British Columbia has a long history of wildfires. In recent years, we have experienced more frequent and severe wildfires, which will not be going away anytime soon. To adapt, we must be proactive and educate ourselves and our children about wildfire prevention and mitigation, including the benefits of tools like cultural burning and prescribed fire. […]

A Cultural Approach to Mitigating Wildfire 

The Lytton Lot 47 Prescribed Fire Project Lytton is no stranger to fire. The remote village is located at the junction of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers in the high, dry mountains of BC’s interior, making it a hot spot for wildfires.  The community has experienced numerous fire emergencies and evacuation orders over the years. […]

Walking with Fire: BC’s History of Fire Governance

There are multiple histories and perspectives of fire governance in British Columbia’s history. From Indigenous-led fire stewardship when fire was respected, to the suppression of fire led by emergency response organizations, the way fire is governed and viewed has evolved dramatically in the last century.  Historical policies of fire suppression and exclusion imposed by colonization […]

Planned Ignitions vs. Prescribed Fire: Understand The Difference

Planned ignitions are an important wildfire management tactic that can help to reduce the potential spread of an existing wildfire, but there are many misconceptions about how this tactic is used.

New protections benefit forests, communities

Bridging Knowledge Systems: Indigenous Fire Stewardship Practices Within Western Fire Management

Lead image: We Are Fire project team. Image courtesy of B/W Photo Wildfires occur across the world every year. Whether caused by a lightning strike or human activity, fire is inevitable. While it can be destructive, it is also natural, historical, and essential for the health of many plants, wildlife, and ecosystems.  At first glance, […]

The Importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Restoring Indigenous Culture

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing the tragic history of residential schools, including the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is now a statutory holiday in BC, allowing more British Columbians to get involved in advancing reconciliation by participating in local events, […]

A Career on Fire

While fire is essential for the ecosystems found in British Columbia, uncontrolled wildfires can threaten lives, infrastructure, and resources. In a province that experiences an average of 1,352 wildfires per year, proper fire management techniques are crucial for preserving nature while protecting people and property.

The History of Indigenous Unit Crews in BC

In the late 1980s, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and Indigenous communities were both facing challenges, which they were able to turn into a joint opportunity.

Firefighting Backwards Through Prescribed Fire and Cultural Burning

Indigenous partnerships are the foundation of prescribed fire and cultural burning in British Columbia. Working together through knowledge sharing, training, and boots on the ground is crucial to ensuring the continued health and resilience of the province’s ecosystems, and mitigating the impacts of wildfire on our forests and communities. The importance of everyone doing their […]