B.C. First Nations Go Back to OG Ways to Yeet Wildfire Risks 🔥
B.C. First Nations return to traditional practices to reduce wildfire risk. B.C. First Nations are like, "Let's bring back the old-school fire prevention strats." Cheslatta First Nation got majorly roasted by wildfires since '10, so they're using forestry and thinking about cultural burns. UBC resea
TL:DR
B.C. First Nations are like, "Let's bring back the old-school fire prevention strats." Cheslatta First Nation got majorly roasted by wildfires since '10, so they're using forestry and thinking about cultural burns. UBC researchers are vibing with them, and even the B.C. Wildfire Service is hopping on the trend. They're planning some lit controlled burns to keep things chill. No cap!
The Deets
Okay, so boom. A bunch of B.C. First Nations are ditching the new-age stuff and going back to the OG ways to fight wildfires. We're talking ancient techniques, fam! The Cheslatta First Nation is front and center on this. They've been dealing with mad wildfires, with almost half their territory up in smoke since 2010. That's a major L.
Now, they're using forestry to clear out all the extra fuel that makes wildfires spread faster. And get this, they're thinking about bringing back cultural burns. These are basically fire parties that First Nations used to throw way back when, before colonization. These controlled burns help get rid of the stuff that catches fire easily, plus they can help certain plants and animals thrive. It's a win-win!
UBC researchers are also in the mix, collabing with the First Nations to study their fire management and forest restoration skills. They even got a fat grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, like $780,000 USD. That's some serious clout.
Planning these burns is a whole process. It can take months, sometimes even years, to get everything ready. They only do it when the weather is perfect, usually in the spring or fall, and the B.C. Wildfire Service usually rolls up to lend a hand. Speaking of them, the B.C. Wildfire Service was part of 48 controlled burns in 2024, covering over 3,400 hectares. 23 of those were with First Nations. Big moves!
The Cheslatta Carrier Nation is extra motivated 'cause they remember a wildfire that torched 10,000 hectares in one day near their community. They're still figuring out where and when to do the burns, but they're on it. Stay tuned for more updates, fam!
Abbreviations Glossary
| Abbreviation | Full Form |
|---|---|
| OG | Original, old school. |
| Yeet | To throw or get rid of with force; to eliminate. |
| No cap | No lie, for real. |
| Lit | Cool, awesome. |
| Okay, so boom | An introduction to explain a topic. |
| Mad | A lot of. |
| L | Loss. |
| Collabing | Collaborating. |
| Clout | Influence or importance. |