Prince George- Northern British Columbia, along with the rest of the country, has faced increasingly intense wildfire seasons in recent years. In response to the urgent challenges these fires create, UNBC became a hub for collaboration and knowledge-sharing for Wildfire Friday—an interdisciplinary event bringing together diverse voices to address wildfire resilience across northern B.C.

“It was inspiring to see so many perspectives come together to address the diverse challenges wildfires pose to northern B.C. and the rest of the country,” said Faculty of Environment Associate Professor Dr. Zoë Meletis, who organized the event alongside Assistant Professors Drs. Samuel Bartels and Diogo Spinola. “By connecting students, researchers and community members, we’re laying the groundwork for a more adaptive and resilient approach to wildfire management.”

Supported by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and UNBC's Office of Research and Innovation, the event brought together students, faculty, staff, wildfire experts and community members to explore wildfires’ wide-reaching impacts and foster innovative approaches to wildfire prevention and resilience in the north.

Presentations covered critical topics from wildfire resilience in sub-boreal forests to the socioeconomic impacts of wildfires on northern B.C.’s tourism industry. Attendees also participated in a hands-on Wildfire Data Challenge workshop, facilitated by B.C. Ministry of Forests climatologist Vanessa Foord and UNBC Natural Resources and Environmental Studies grad student Michael Samoil. Participants explored climate and wildfire data platforms, learning how to apply these tools to their research and management strategies—equipping them with practical skills to address wildfire challenges in their own fields. 

An expert panel at the Two Rivers Gallery featured Faculty of Environment Professor Emeritus Dr. Phil Burton, fire ecologist Dr. Kira Hoffman and UNBC alumna, wildlife biologist Alicia Woods. The panel provided a multidisciplinary view of wildfires and their effects on ecosystems, professions and society. Panelists emphasized the need for collaboration, noting how cross-disciplinary approaches and local expertise are essential for empowering northern communities to build wildfire resilience.

The day concluded with a keynote presentation by Hoffman, a jointly appointed Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of British Columbia and the Bulkley Valley Research Centre. Hoffman highlighted the importance of prescribed and cultural fire as solutions to increasingly complex wildfire seasons, stressing that collaboration across physical, cognitive and social boundaries is key to proactive wildfire management. She reinforced that northern communities must be empowered to lead in shaping wildfire management strategies tailored to their unique needs.

From insightful discussions to practical workshops, Wildfire Friday showcased UNBC’s role in empowering northern communities by providing a platform for sharing knowledge, building connections and exploring innovative approaches to wildfire management. As northern communities continue to face growing wildfire challenges, the ideas and collaborations sparked at Wildfire Friday offer a foundation for building resilience and proactive strategies across the region.