Whereas wildfire smoke is increasingly present in and around the Province of BC during the summer months; And whereas wildfire smoke negatively impacts human health and the publics comfort and ability to enjoy the natural beauty of the Province of BCs parks and beaches, which has a negative impact to the economy of our Province: Therefore be it resolved that the Province take a more proactive role in assessing risks associated with exposure to wildfire smoke and create decision making tools to assist communities in determining what measures should be taken to mitigate those risks.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Wildfire seasons in British Columbia have grown longer and more intense. Factors such as pronounced droughts, climate change and increased forest fuel accumulation have contributed to this change in wildfire frequency and intensity, causing an increase in smoke during our summer months. BC Wildfire Service BCWS appreciates the threat that smoke from wildfires represents to our communities and to the health and well-being of our citizens. We make every effort to contain and extinguish unwanted fires as quickly, safely and effectively as possible. BCWS uses a variety of fuel management methods to improve public safety and reduce the risk of wildfire. These methods include hazard abatement, salvage harvesting and prescribed burns. In addition, the updated Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation provides additional flexibility to allow for community wildfire risk reduction activities in both the high and medium smoke sensitivity zones.