BC Wildfire Budget

              B-C’s forests minister says the province is preparing for the wildfire season with some new strategies and people living near forested areas should also do their part by safeguarding property against potential blazes. Doug Donaldson says a $101-million budget, up from $64 million last year, will allow for a more comprehensive prescribed burning program and new technology including night vision goggles to help with early detection of fires will be piloted this summer. He says firefighters will also have more access to computers and iPads in the field and drones will assist with fire mapping and infrared scanning. Donaldson says a program established last September is expected to fund fuel management work on Crown and private land by helping local governments and First Nations lower wildfire risks. He says the so-called Community Resiliency Investment Program expands municipalities’ criteria on how they can spend money on planning and urban issues and suggested development bylaws could help them with fire issues. Donaldson says homeowners can prevent fires from growing by following the national FireSmart program recommendations by removing fuels such as wood piles and noting building material like vinyl siding that can help grow a fire.