In recognition of this year’s theme for Sept. 20-26 National Forest Week, “Wildland Fire – You can make a difference”, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson has released the following statement:

“As Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, I always look forward to celebrating National Forest Week.

“Forestry is a key economic driver supporting families throughout British Columbia. In 2014, forestry provided 60,700 direct jobs and generated $12.4 billion in exports – accounting for 35% of all B.C. goods exported.

“One of the risks to our forests and its economic benefits is wildfire. Fire is a normal, natural process in many of British Columbia’s ecosystems. Many species of plants, birds, insects and other animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties. Fire also helps control insects and spread of disease in forests. It also creates forest regeneration, as younger trees replace older trees. Land managers also use prescribed or control burns to restore ecosystems, to enhance habitat and improve forage, or to reduce the wildfire risk around communities.

“In 2004, we introduced the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative to help local governments and First Nations reduce wildfire risks around their communities. We’ve provided over $67 million. To date, 286 communities have completed community wildfire protection plans and the fuel build-up on over 78,000 hectares of land has been reduced.

“To complement those efforts, working with the Union of British Columbia Municipalities we have introduced the 2016 FireSmart Grant Program. Fifty grants of up to $10,000 each will be made available to local governments and First Nations to help communities identify and reduce wildfire risks on private land.

“And in keeping with this year’s theme for National Forest Week, Wildland Fire – You can make a difference – I’d like to remind property owners that they can reduce the wildfire risk on their properties through landscaping and following the tips in the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual.

“I’d also like to remind British Columbians that the number of human-caused fires remains too high. Of the 1,805 wildfires this summer, 545 were caused by humans. Because of the high percentage of human-caused fires that persists year after year, I asked Parliamentary Secretary Mike Morris to review the fines and penalties in place under the Wildfire Act for human-caused fires – and human interference in firefighting.

“Twice in August, firefighting operations were shutdown because of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, flying in restricted airspace. Drones put lives and public safety at risk. In addition to asking Transport Canada to strengthen its regulations, we’re looking to see how we can strengthen the Wildfire Act.

“I hope during National Forest Week you take the time to enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the beauty of our forests.”

Learn More:

B.C.’s National Forest Week webpage: http://member.abcfp.ca/WEB/ABCFP/About_Us/Affiliated_Programs_Events.aspx

Canadian National Forest Week webpage: http://canadianforestry.com/wp/national-forest-week/

FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual: http://www.embc.gov.bc.ca/ofc/interface/pdf/homeowner-firesmart.pdf