The BC Wildfire Service collaborated with individuals and communities in 2024, across British Columbia to combat wildfires and strengthen climate resilience.
Since April 1, 2024, there have been 1,688 wildfires, burning roughly 1.08 million hectares.
Over 70% of these fires were sparked by lightning according to the media release, while just under 30% were linked to human activity, with a small portion still under investigation.
“I want to thank the hardworking members of the BC Wildfire Service who put their lives on the line every day to protect British Columbians and their communities from the devastating impact of wildfires,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Their dedication and bravery are nothing short of extraordinary, especially as wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, putting greater pressure on people, ecosystems and communities.”
The increasing effects of climate change are driving the need for enhanced wildfire strategies in rural and remote areas.
In response, the BC Wildfire Service is collaborating with trained local community members to strengthen response efforts in their regions, following the recommendations of the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies.
A total of 51 evacuation orders impacted over 4,100 properties, while 112 evacuation alerts affected more than 11,600 properties in 2024.
“People’s lives are increasingly being impacted by the effects of climate change and we must be proactive in how we prepare for climate-driven emergencies,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “We have applied lessons learned from 2023 wildfires by introducing flexible supports for evacuees, making it easier for people to receive those supports and improving preparedness tools. Our first priority is to ensure that people and communities have the tools and resources they need to stay safe during emergencies.”
The Province will increase the number of firefighting tools available to crews to enhance response capabilities.
Significant upgrades were made to firefighting equipment and fire-camp infrastructure in 2024, upgrades that are critical to the safety and well-being of wildland firefighters.
The BC Wildfire Service also acquired and utilized additional on-the-ground firefighting equipment, including pumps, fire-camp supplies, safety gear, and medical and hygiene equipment.
A wildfire training and education center was announced this year, in partnership with Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. The center, the first of its kind in North America, aims to advance wildfire education and training.
The program will provide comprehensive wildfire training and education, ranging from foundational field skills to academic diploma and degree programs in wildfire and emergency management.
The specialized wildfire program will create career development opportunities in wildfire management, preparing B.C.'s future wildland firefighters for successful careers.
"As we come to the end of another wildfire season, we are looking ahead to prevent and reduce wildfire risk in the next season and beyond. That starts with having the right tools and structures in place to keep British Columbians safe now and into the future," said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson in a media release earlier this year.
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