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community next to wildfire

What is Wildfire Resiliency?

Resiliency, and in particular, wildfire resiliency, is the act of supporting a community’s natural ability to withstand and ‘bounce back’ after disturbances such as wildfire.

 

While we build wildfire and overall ecosystem resiliency in various ways, we always start by working with a community’s leaders to determine the social values of their community. We are deeply committed to understanding the natural structure and function of local ecosystems to ensure recommendations are always based on both science and practicality.

 

When building wildfire resiliency, we work with the community to determine the existing risks and build solutions that reduce risk and improve resiliency in the event of wildfire. The goal is not to suppress wildfires, but to support each community's ability to live and persevere through changing climate and wildfire conditions.

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Whether relying on harvesting and silviculture practices or planning and implementing prescribed fire, we support innovative forestry practices to promote healthy, sustainable community forests that can be enjoyed by the local community. 

a prescribed burn in the forest

Wildfire Resiliency Resources

Check out some of our favourite resources on living and working with fire.

Building Blocks

The Building Blocks of Wildfire Resiliency

We find it useful to think about building wildfire resiliency through the lens of 4 main building blocks. Depending on the needs of the community, our experienced team may employ any combination of the following services to ensure the best outcome.

Resiliency Building Block # 1

Fuel Management Prescription

worker cutting trees in forest

We work with

regional and municipal governments and First Nations communities to develop holistic Fuel Management Prescriptions.

 

Prescriptions contain integrated strategies for vegetation management, fuel reduction, wildfire mitigation, evacuation safety and ecosystem restoration.

We can provide

  • Development and supervision of Fuel Management Prescriptions (FMPs)

  • Advanced fire behaviour prediction tools

  • Integrative on-site wildfire threat and fuel loading assessments

  • Mechanical Operational Treatment Plans and supervision for vegetation and fuel reduction projects

  • Operational work plans that effectively implement burn plans and mechanical treatments in a cost-effective manner.​

  • Assistance developing and sustaining interagency relationships to ensure longevity, success and plan effectiveness

  • GIS and spatial analyses, including webmapping, drone/UAV mapping, and 3D modeling of terrain and forests.

firesmart inspection on residential property

Resiliency Building Block # 2

FireSmart

We collaborate

with community planners, emergency managers and firefighters who are interested in educating, promoting and implementing the FireSmart program in their communities. 

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Our team of certified and experienced forest professionals are skilled at offering assistance for all FireSmart services. 

We can provide

  • FireSmart Home Hazard Assessments

  • Develop FireSmart Neighbourhood Plans

  • Integration of information into webmaps and into Community Wildfire Resiliency Planning

  • Emergency Planning and Cross-training

  • Development Consideration related to wildfire and FireSmart

  • Interagency Cooperation

  • Legislative/Planning

  • Education/Promotion & Rebate Program Implementation

Resiliency Building Block # 3

Community Wildfire Resiliency Planning

wildfire burning next to highway in BC

We work with

First Nations and local governments to produce solution-focused designs for harvesting, land use planning and wildfire planning.

We can provide

  • Development of UBCM CRI Community Wildfire Protection/Resiliency Plans (CWRPs)

  • Integrative FireSmart neighbourhood and community planning

  • Forest strategy development

  • Woodlot planning

  • Land use design and planning

We have

a strong track record working with First Nations and local governments to produce solution-focused designs for harvesting, land use planning and wildfire planning.

We can provide

  • Development of UBCM CRI Community Wildfire Protection/Resiliency Plans (CWRPs)

  • Integrative FireSmart neighbourhood and community planning

  • Forest strategy development

  • Woodlot planning

  • Land use design and planning

wildfire fighters putting out grass fire

Resiliency Building Block # 4

Prescribed Fire

We help

communities build wildfire resiliency through the use of prescribed fire.

 

Putting 'good' fire back on the landscape in this way can be a safe and cost-effective tool for many communities.

We can provide

  • Prescribed burn plans for your community’s objectives, including fuel reduction and ecosystem restoration
     

  • Supervision and monitoring of prescribed fires during implementation
     

  • Assistance building collaborative relationships with the BC Government, First Nations and private industry to build a prescribed fire program that serves your local region

community next to wildfire

Find out more about our

wildfire resiliency services. 

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