Image Credit: CFJC Today / File

By Dave Barry

WILDFIRE RESPONSE

B.C. Premier Horgan calls for new approach to fighting wildfires

Aug 27, 2021 | 3:02 PM

LOGAN LAKE – B.C.’s Premier is suggesting the time has come to change the way British Columbia approaches wildfires.

John Horgan told media in Logan Lake on Friday (Aug. 27) that three of the worst wildfire seasons in history have come during his four years as Premier. “This is a challenge of climate change,” said Horgan. “We need to adapt and change how we approach these seasons and that’s why are are talking about FireSmart and the success story that is Logan Lake.”

The premier hinted that one change could come in a foundational approach. “I’ve seen enough of the way we used to do it,” said Horgan.

He contends the wildfire season shouldn’t be seen as running from the late spring to early fall anymore, but instead it should be viewed as a year round approach. “If we have resources at the front end of the year, BC Wildfire Service can retain people to do the work, to assist with FireSmart, to make sure that we’re doing the best we can to create guards and other scenarios around those interface communities. And that’s just got to be the way we go forward.”

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Horgan praised the FireSmart program, which is being credited for playing a large role in preventing the Tremont Creek wildfire from burning through Logan Lake.

Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith says years of work and committment to the program, have paid off. “There’s been a lot of people over the course of the last 18 years that have championed different pieces of FireSmart and what that looks like. We today are seeing the benefits of what that can do.”

Smith went one step further, reaching out to other communities, with a hope of passing along the communities expertise. “We are more than happy to share our story,” said Smith. “If we can share our story and if we can make any other communities a little safer, than they already are, that’s what we want to do.”

While not attaching an actual dollar figure to this year’s firefighting costs, Premier Horgan said the province has poured a half billion dollars into fighting fires over the 2021 season, a season that is still weeks away from ending.