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Wildfire reform needed now
By Doug Clovechok
Folks, we are in the thick of wildfire season with several significant fires raging in Columbia River-Revelstoke. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected and I have profound gratitude for the pilots, firefighters, and support crews who are working to keep our communities safe.
Bold wildfire reforms are needed right now. BC United is calling out David Eby’s NDP government for its ongoing failure to implement proactive and effective wildfire management strategies.
Last year, BC United released a comprehensive blueprint for reforming British Columbia’s wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery strategies — an actionable plan that has been largely ignored by the NDP. Input from impacted communities, local leaders, and residents who have been displaced by wildfires was valuable in putting together this plan, something no other party has put forward.
With the continuing heatwave and the worsening conditions for wildfires, the time for action is overdue.
BC United’s comprehensive wildfire policy reforms include:
Modernized Firefighting Services: Establishing a modern, full-time firefighting service with more front-line personnel, an expanded provincial aircraft fleet, and cutting-edge fire suppression technology to protect homes and infrastructure.
Leveraging Local Expertise: Deploying local contractors for rapid fire suppression, streamlining their use to enhance B.C.’s response capabilities.
Empowering Local Response Teams: Equipping and empowering local volunteer fire response teams, including First Nations and community members, with essential supplies and resources.
Swift Support for Evacuees: Pledging automatic financial support for evacuees during the first 72 hours, alongside efficient aid through streamlined Emergency Social Services for people and communities.
Forest Management and Prevention: Aggressively overhauling forestry management practices, emphasizing swift responses to fires and reducing wildfire risk through selective harvesting, expedited permits, regulatory changes, and financial incentives.
Under the NDP, vital reforms like overhauling forest management practices and increasing prevention measures have been stalled, leaving our communities at risk. Our comprehensive strategy not only fights fires more effectively but also strengthens community resilience against future threats.
BC United is urging the NDP to adopt these reforms immediately to prevent further loss and suffering. As wildfire seasons intensify, the need for bold, decisive action has never been more urgent. We simply cannot stand by and watch the needless destruction of our precious forests and potential loss of our communities.
I want to hear from you about any concerns you have about this or any other issue. I read every email I receive. Please reach out to me at [email protected] or call my office in Kimberley at (250) 432-2300 or Revelstoke at (250) 805-0323.
e-KNOW file photo
Doug Clovechok is Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA
