Devastation in the North Shuswap (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson

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SOUND OFF: New approach to B.C. wildfire management long overdue

Sep 21, 2023 | 5:22 PM

BRITISH COLUMBIANS ARE TIRED of breaking new records every wildfire season. It feels like with each year that passes, the fires get bigger, more communities are evacuated, and more people face the destruction of their property and livelihoods — and struggle to get the proper support for recovery.

It’s become obvious that government cannot just keep doing the same thing over and over again, employing the same old strategies, expecting them to suddenly start working. Over the last few years, the NDP’s approach to wildfires has been marked by inaction and crippling bureaucratic delays, sometimes resulting in devastating consequences.

Clearly, we need a new approach. That’s why our BC United Leader Kevin Falcon recently unveiled a comprehensive blueprint for reforming British Columbia’s wildfire preparedness, response and recovery strategies.

The strategy we’re proposing is a radical shift that we would take in government. It’s a plan for a modernized firefighting service, utilizing local expertise, empowered response teams, better support for evacuees and proactive forest management. It looks at preparedness and prevention, in addition to how we fight the fires, and of course, how we support recovery.

There are a few key points in this plan that are central to how we want to tackle wildfire management in B.C. going forward. First, we need to modernize firefighting services, including establishing a full-time firefighting service with more front-line personnel and the resources and equipment they need to be effective.

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Additionally, we believe in the value of local, on-the-ground, expertise. This is why we would deploy local contractors for rapid fire suppression and equip and empower local volunteer fire response teams — including First Nations and community members — with essential supplies and resources.

We would ensure that evacuees and impacted communities get the help they need, right away. This looks like automatic financial support for evacuees during the first 72 hours, alongside efficient aid through streamlined Emergency Social Services for people and communities.

And importantly, we also acknowledge the incredible importance of effective forest management and prevention. We commit to aggressively overhauling forestry management practices, emphasizing swift responses to fires and reducing wildfire risk through selective harvesting, expedited permits, regulatory changes, and financial incentives.

These are basic principles that should already be guiding how government responds to wildfires, but unfortunately, that just isn’t the case in B.C.

What’s even more concerning is that this information is readily available to the NDP government and has been for years. Locals and experts are more than willing to share their expertise and help government learn from past mistakes. There are years of reports, including the 2018 Abbott/Chapman report delivered to this government, collecting dust on their shelves. Sadly, many of the recommendations from that expert report remain unimplemented.

We can all identify that the current approach to wildfire management simply isn’t working. It’s time for decisive action to protect our communities, environment and economy.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.