COLLINS: New problems require new solutions to manage wildfires
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
SMOKEY BEAR, or as we used to call him, Smokey the Bear, was, for a long time, the only weapon to make people aware of the danger of human-caused wildfires. The image of Smokey, in his ranger hat and shovel in his hand, still exists today as part of the longest-running public service campaign in U.S. history. The campaign was created in 1944. Those of us old enough to be growing up in the 1950s and later are all too familiar with that voice, and the slogan — “Remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires.”
But one bear apparently can’t do it all. Climate change, leading to extremely dangerous drought conditions, coupled with flash flooding and poor management of resources, have all led to catastrophic loss over the past few years, including entire communities burning to the ground.
Finally, senior levels of government are realizing we need to do a better job of managing our forests, and the wildfire dangers facing the communities contained within them. The feds have set up a resiliency fund to try to work together to get communities sharing ideas and resources to help deal with this problem, which has grown to epic proportions. But for a community to access the funds, they have to hire a FireSmart coordinator who will be responsible for grant applications, coordinating with the fire department, city hall and senior levels of government to maximize the value of the planning process.
I think the position is a good idea and agree with the comments of Councillor Stephen Karpuk at council this week in extolling the virtues of the position. Down side? Starting in 2025, we will bear the cost of this position, including salary and attendant physical needs of the department. And those costs will be substantial.
