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I worked on a wildfire this summer then spent the fall doing layout for salvage harvest and assisting with the fire rehab. It gave me a chance to revisit the area mentioned in my Aug. 4 post (link below) and add to my observations on improving the wildfire resilience of our regenerated stands. Don’t Neglect […]
Read MoreThe recent discussions about forming a federal wildfire response agency have generated a lot of discussion and opinions from experts on where to focus our taxpayer money. Should we increase our response capacity or increase fuel modification? As is usual the answer is a bit of both. Our wildlands are in such poor condition we […]
Read MoreIntroduction It is great to see so much work and interest in Landscape Level Fuel Management especially regarding post harvest fuel loads. The “boutique” small scale fuel modification that has been done adjacent to communities and other high value assets is very beneficial however, it is too costly to do large scale projects in this […]
Read MoreLow snowpacks in most of the province, pre-existing drought conditions, warm weather and reports of hangover fires all indicate a possible increase in the chances of an early start to the wildfire season. The picture above is of an early March 2015 fire in the southern interior. Note the snow on the mountains. A snowy […]
Read MoreContinuing with my focus on improving wildfire response I have put together some information on choosing the right pump for you as you start purchasing your fire suppression tools or upgrade your current systems. The information is based on my experience and research. I am not a water delivery expert and every situation requires specific […]
Read MoreWeather After a brief period of normal winter, we were into the warm and rainy weather again. Freezing levels are over the top of the mountains and the already shallow low and mid-elevation snowpack is disappearing fast. Not sure how the burned areas and rehabbed guards held up but I haven’t heard any horror stories […]
Read MoreHi folks Here is a presentation I gave to a group of rural residents after my experiences in the 2021 wildfire season. Several of the residents were making blanket statements that they would stay and defend no matter what. In this incident at Shrike Hill we did save several buildings by staying but in hindsight […]
Read MoreDuring recent wildfire seasons members of the public and various industries have had less than expected, or no, help from BC Wildfire. I suspect this situation is going to be increasingly common in the future. Several groups are requesting training and various levels of government are organizing the required funding. I am worried that the […]
Read MoreHI folks. Hope you had a restful, happy holiday season and best wishes for a safe, healthy and successful 2024. As I shut work down for Christmas and hit the trails, I pondered the past wildfire season. My condolences to all who lost loved ones, friends and associates while fighting fires this past fire season. […]
Read MoreIf you live, work or play in rural BC you will have a close encounter with a wildfire. I hope this page and blog help you deal with it when it occurs. Starting in 2017 I experienced several large wildfires in rural and remote areas that had less than hoped for help. This is completely […]
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