Episode #24

Knowing Fire

Published:

August 21, 2024

Episode Length:

29:24

Episode Guests:

Robert Gray – wildland fire ecologist

Ashley O’Neil – wildland fire manager, Ktunaxa Nation

Bree Lillies – wildfire mitigation specialist, FireSmart program

Rob & Lucy – Slocan Valley homeowners

John Vaillant – author of “Fire Weather”

Listen to "Episode #24 Knowing Fire" on Spreaker.

Episode Overview

Like rain or soil, fire is a crucial part of a healthy forest ecosystem. But as warmer temperatures and longer periods of drought have become the norm in the Columbia Basin—along with the fact that we have suppressed fire to protect trees as a valuable natural resource—we now face bigger, hotter, and more dangerous megafires. Join us as we meet fire experts who are creating a better understanding of what we’re up against and helping us safeguard our homes and communities.

Forest-Fire Ecologist Robert Gray: “It’s Going To Get Worse.”

Last year we interviewed British Columbia forest-fire ecologist Robert Gray for a story in CMC magazine. This year, former CBC journalist Jeff Davies revisits the expert to ask some tough questions about the future of forest fires in the province. And he receives some scary answers.

The Kootenay’s Own Youth Climate Corps Helping Curb Wildfire Threat And More

“The climate is changing and so are we.” Kootenay youth band together to help bring down emissions and build resilience. By Ella Korth and Linn Murray.

Banned from the Backcountry? We Interview an Expert on the Future of Wildfires

Coast Mountain Culture senior writer Jeff Davies is in the process of researching an article for a future issue about forest fires and their future impact on the pacific northwest. His interview with fire ecologist Robert Gray was so poignant, we decided to print most of the transcript here.

How First Nations Managed Forest Fires in BC

En route to her PH.D., a formidable researcher has made surprising discoveries about how first nations managed forest fires, and in doing so, answered the burning questions in a sodden land. Story and photos by Kira Hoffman.