The wildfire paradigm in British Columbia is drastically changing.  Since 2017, nearly 10% of BC's forested area (7 million ha) has been within a fire perimeter.  First Nations, communities, industrial activities and conservation efforts throughout the province have suffered.

This presentation explores the diverse impacts of wildfire on rural communities and highlights avenues to build resilience.  Using dialogic methods, participatory research and firsthand experience, the discussion will highlight some impacts of wildfire on rural communities and explore better opportunities to engage governments, businesses, First Nations, communities and individuals in addressing one of the fundamental challenges facing BC.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Zoom Webinar. Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium-webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.