Fire Management

Periodic burns reduce the incidence and impact of hot burning. In the ecosystems of the Lillooet Sub Region, the longer the interval between fires the more fuel builds up and the more dramatic the results of fire. Frequent light burns reduce the likelihood of an intense burn removing all forms of vegetation and burning down to the mineral soil layer. This can result in the site being exposed to erosion, invasion by exotic plant species, and the slow colonization, or elimination of native plants.

A prescribed fire and a natural fire section are included under Fire Management. Each type of wildfire should be approached differently, and approved under different conditions.

“A strategic shift is needed to proactively manage the benefits and risks of wildland fire to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of society.”

~ BC Wildland Fire Management

Unknown to most of the public, fire is a natural management process that allows the environment to renew itself and reduce fuel build-up created by falling branches, old and sick trees. Nowadays fire suppression is very popular  and used as much as possible but this will increase the chances of creating a fire that will be difficult to control and suppress. Also, as old forest are left, trees start to get infected by disease and insects. Strategies and goals are being developed in order to get support from public awareness and include fire management strategies in various policies and plans. At present there are 5 main goals for wildland fire management. The first is reducing hazards and risks that come with wildland fire in and around communities as well as other high-value areas. Then, to plan and apply the use of controlled burning in the proper ecosystem and within suitable conditions so as to reduce hazards and risks and achieve healthy forests and grasslands. The third goal will focus on monitoring wildfires in areas where there is a minimal risk, identify values and act when necessary to reduce hazards and risks and also make sure that fire-suppression budgets and personnel are well prepared. The next, goal centers itself around the secure adequacy that plans include the management of wildland fire at all levels so as to reduce hazards and risks and keep healthy forests and grasslands and ensure resource-efficient fire suppression. And finally, the last goal is based on the high level development of public awareness and understanding of wildland fire and its management to build up support for practice and resource-efficient wildland  fire and fuel management. Even though there are many challenges and limits that slow down the advancement of these goals it is important to keep in mind that with climate change temperatures will rise and increase the risk of fires which is why fire management is becoming a priority.

Source: Excellence in Fire Management Wildland fire management strategy