Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy: A vision for an innovative and integrated approach to managing the risks

Abstract

The Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy (CWFS) provides a vision for a new, innovative, and integrated approach to wildland fire management in Canada. It was developed under the auspices of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers and seeks to balance the social, ecological, and economic aspects of wildland fire through a risk management framework that emphasizes hazard mitigation, preparedness, and recovery as well as efficient fire suppression and response. This strategic and holistic approach is needed to address both the root causes and symptoms of current and future wildland fire management challenges.The desired future state advocated in the CWFS consists of communities that are empowered to enhance their own safety and resilience, forest ecosystems that are healthy and productive, and wildland fire management agencies that utilize modern business practices. To foster change in attitudes, policy, and practices, the provincial, territorial, and federal governments are currently working collaboratively to create a joint cost-shared program in excess of 1 billion dollars over 10 years to address 4 strategic objectives: (i) pan-Canadian FireSmart initiative, (ii) wildland fire preparedness and response capability, (iii) public awareness and risk and policy analysis, and (iv) innovation. The underlying tenet is that managing the risks from wildland fire is a shared responsibility of individuals, stakeholder groups, the private sector, and all levels of government and therefore requires integrated and cooperative actions.

Parent Publication

• Fuels Management-How to Measure Success: Conference Proceedings

Citation

Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy Project Management Team 2006. Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy: A vision for an innovative and integrated approach to managing the risks. In: Andrews, Patricia L.; Butler, Bret W., comps. 2006. Fuels Management-How to Measure Success: Conference Proceedings. 28-30 March 2006; Portland, OR. Proceedings RMRS-P-41. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 13-15