Provincial and Federal Governments sign new wildfire strategy

B.C.'s Forest Minister Bruce Ralston and Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson announcement on wildfire strategy. (Ryley McCormack, MyEastKootenayNow.com staff)

Canada’s Federal and Provincial Governments are taking a new approach to fighting wildfires, as the country heads into what it anticipates to be an intense fire season.

B.C.’s Forest Minister Bruce Ralston said the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy will build new and strengthen existing partnerships between all levels of government.

“Wildfire does not respect boundaries and the only way forward is working together with a whole-of-society approach,” said Ralston.

“One that is dedicated to the central task of ensuring our forests and communities are resilient now and for generations of future Canadians.”

- Advertisement -

This plan comes as a result of Canada’s devastating wildfire seasons in recent years.

“The severity of wildfires in Canada in recent years underscores the urgency of this strategy and highlights why we must continue to prevent and mitigate the risks of wildfire before they occur,” said Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson.

“Our homes, communities and environment depend on it.”

The strategy involves collaborations between local, Indigenous, provincial and federal governments, prescribed burns, more firefighting resources and public education campaigns.


Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].