BC wildfires: resident fears, evacuations and learning from indigenous communities

With millions of hectares burned, 2023 has been labelled Canada’s most destructive wildfire season ever, and summer isn’t over yet.

With the hope that rain and cooler weather could bring relief to B.C. wildfire crews, we are still coming off a weekend where a B.C. festival was evacuated due to wildfire, and several properties are still on alert.

Imagine having to drop everything, grab your kids and leave your home. Well, this (having to leave their community during a wildfire) is a fear that 76 per cent of B.C. residents have according to a spring survey released by First Onsite – leading the country considerably.

The survey of Canadians found that regional concerns for all indices were highest in British Columbia – which has endured several years of intense wildfire activity – including the devastating 2021 fire that eviscerated the town of Lytton. Eighty-two per cent of B.C. residents are worried about personal or family safety and 60 per cent are concerned about their insurance coverage (i.e. is it sufficient?)

Finally, two thirds of B.C. residents (67%) are worried about having to leave their home or community.

There is an increased risk of upheaval during wildfire season. This is going to happen again and it’s how we respond that matters most.

The number one piece of preparedness advice is awareness – always listen to authorities. If authorities put a community on evacuation alert, residents need to be ready to go at the drop of a hat, equipped with a full tank of gas and a packed bag. Moving quickly can protect lives.

Weather catastrophes do not respect borders.

While not all communities are directly affected by fires, wildfire smoke can be carried hundreds or thousands of kilo- meters from the fire zone and can impact health even at low levels. As we have seen recently, wildfires from B.C. and Alberta can create air quality advisories far away, a reminder that communities to be aware of how they are at risk, as well as be prepared to withstand and recover quickly when disaster strikes— no matter the location.

Learning from indigenous communities

Mike Flannigan is professor of wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. In this short video,Mike discusses that one of the best things we’re learning about fighting these fires is the concept of using prescribed and cultural burns practiced by indigenous communities.

Changing the framework: The importance of building resilient communities

When disasters such as wildfires occur it is important to determine which learnings can be applied so we can build back better and create communities

LETTER: On the fires in Maui

treme weather events.

that are not only more sustainable, but also resilient to their surroundings and environments. Technology, building materials and community design all need to be taken into consideration. Strategies like integrating resilience into our building codes and practices can go a long way in ensuring we are prepared for not only today, but also into the future.

This sentiment was reflected in the wildfire survey. More than four-in five B.C. residents (83%) agreed that we should make our cities and towns resilient to physical, social, and economic shocks from climate change and severe weather events –again leading the country. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of residents said that catastrophic weather has taught us the importance of preparedness and community – also leading the country.

Critically, two thirds of respondents (63%) are concerned about their own community’s ability to withstand the effects of climate change and increasingly ex-

I’ve read, the best way for anyone wanting to help from afar is to donate to organizations like Red Cross.

For anyone who had plans to visit Maui, I’ve been seeing many comments and posts noting that now is just not the time. Locals have been severely displaced by losing their homes, their livelihoods, and much more - they’re going to need a lot of help and time to recover.

It’s likely not advisable to visit the other islands, as they’re taking in displaced residents, and treating many burn victims. The State of Hawaii has asked everyone to avoid all non-essential travel.

Building disaster-resistant communities will be a generational effort. As temperatures continue to rise, and cities expand, certain risks will remain. It’s important for residents and business owners to be aware of the tangible ways they can protect their lives, properties, and assets from wildfire. This includes clearing away gutter debris; pruning trees and keeping lawns mowed; and creating an evacuation plan. Additionally, it’s critical to ensure that businesses and homes have adequate insurance coverage.

Catastrophes provide an opportunity to rethink how we build and live in our natural environments. While building planners take into consideration how planned/lived environments can coexist with natural areas, businesses and residents can also take extra steps to protect themselves, reduce interruption and safeguard lives.

Jim Mandeville

As many have probably heard or read, Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui have been devastated by wildfires. There’s little left of Lahaina, which was burnt very badly - forcing residents to flee into the ocean to avoid the flames.

I had the pleasure of visiting Maui with family this past June, and I greatly enjoyed my trip, locals were friendly and welcoming, and the scenery was beautiful. Lahaina was a huge highlight for me, and I’m grateful for the time spent there.

Sadly, Maui is in a state of emergency with the wildfires causing loss of homes, property, and life, with six fatalities confirmed. From the few photos I’ve seen on social media, little is left of Lahaina’s historic Front Street, including the old courthouse and the Banyan Tree.

The Banyan Tree is much loved by tourists and residents alike, standing since 1873, when it was planted. It’s still standing after the fire, but is very charred, much like the bones of the courthouse beside it.

I can’t imagine what residents are going through right now, and what I’ve seen online looks almost apocalyptic - in one video, a group of residents fleeing to safety had no choice but to drive by a body on the street, unable to help them, as they would have passed out from the heat and smoke.

The unprecedented destructive power of the wildfires is being attributed to strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which fanned the flames. Cell service, including 911, were knocked offline with several towers and landline downed.

Even boats in the Lahaina harbour caught fire, causing fuel tanks to explode - the destruction is surreal. From what

With BC experiencing one of the worst wildfires seasons on record, what’s happening in Hawaii is incredibly relatable. There’s been a couple wildfires near my region, but nothing catastrophic. It’s a tough time for Hawaii right now, and I really hope things get better. A lot has been lost by the people who live there.

Tom Summer lives and writes from the Kootenays.

Photo left - The Old Lahaina Courthouse. It’s been a part of the community since 1860, and served as a customs house in its early days. It’s a much beloved historic site, with the equally famous Banyan Tree living just behind it

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