Outdated Forestry Rules Fuel Wildfire Threat, Says Report
B.C. forestry practices are falling short in protecting communities from escalating wildfire risk, according to a fresh report from the Forest Practices Board. The two-year investigation highlights outdated regulations, poor coordination with local communities, and inconsistent hazard assessments as major concerns.
The report zeroes in on areas called the wildland-urban interface—where homes and forests meet. These zones face the highest wildfire risk, yet the rules that govern them often don’t extend just beyond municipal boundaries, leaving gaps that put nearby communities at serious risk.
Gaps in Regulation Widen the Danger
The board found that strict cleanup rules apply only within interface zones. In nearby areas—some just metres away from homes—logging debris can sit for up to 30 months, drying out and becoming dangerous fuel. This regulatory loophole may have played a role in the massive Shovel Lake fire in 2018, which scorched 92,000 hectares.
Adding to the problem are rigid burn restrictions meant to reduce smoke. These rules, although well-intended, often limit the ability to burn debris safely, leaving large piles vulnerable to ignition.
Risk Assessments Falling Short
Fire hazard assessments are supposed to be a cornerstone of wildfire prevention, but the investigation reveals a troubling reality. Less than 25% of assessments were completed on time, and fewer than one-third met legal standards.
Forestry companies often use outdated techniques and inconsistent timelines. Meanwhile, wildfire risk rarely factors into tree planting strategies—only 17% of licenses sampled followed current reforestation guidelines introduced in 2016.
Community Plans Ignored or Inaccessible
Another challenge is the lack of coordination with community wildfire plans. In many cases, forestry operators aren’t even aware of these plans, which means they can’t act on them—no matter how willing they are. The board emphasized the need to make these documents more accessible and to incorporate them into day-to-day logging decisions.
Innovation Offers a Path Forward
Despite these hurdles, some groups are finding creative solutions. The Cheakamus Community Forest developed its own venting forecasts to expand safe burning windows. Meanwhile, the Líl̓wat Nation invested in air curtain technology, reducing smoke and making slash pile disposal safer.
Still, these are isolated efforts. The board says wider policy changes are needed—from modernizing hazard assessment guidelines to incentivizing faster debris cleanups and including municipalities in key wildfire zones.
Forestry Industry at a Crossroads
The Council of Forest Industries (COFI) backs many of the report’s findings but warns that deeper issues threaten the sector’s survival. “The forest industry is in crisis,” said COFI President Kim Haakstad, pointing to difficulties with permits, economic constraints, and wood access.
While forestry professionals are ready to help reduce wildfire risk, Haakstad stressed that these efforts must be financially sustainable. “Industry cannot carry the burden alone on public land,” she said. The path forward, she added, requires shared responsibility among governments, First Nations, and communities.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for more updates.
