Resources Legacy Fund’s Post

Wildfires are wreaking havoc across the country. For example, according to recent news published by The Bellingham Herald, 🌲 wildfires in #Washington state have led Bellingham and Whatcom County to receive an “F” grade for 24-hour particle pollution in the latest air quality report. Forecasts suggest that this could be another smoke-filled season in the Northwest due to early, longer wildfires across the region. These conditions have already caused Bellingham to drop off the list of cleanest U.S. cities. The most recent forecast from the National Interagency Fire Center indicates a high likelihood of significant wildfire activity in multiple regions. Presently, numerous substantial wildfires are underway across North America, particularly in Canada's Alberta and British Columbia, where they have devastated extensive areas. Meanwhile, in the United States, early-season fires have ignited in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, with the potential for further outbreaks given weather conditions conducive to fire propagation. 🚨 We experienced significant smoke events last summer, and this year may be no different, with models showing that this year's wildfires could be even more intense. 🔍 Using air cleaners that can filter out smoke PM can be essential in #IAQ during these smoke days. At Metalmark, we're dedicated to providing effective, low-maintenance, and energy-saving air-cleaning solutions, and our Tatama air cleaner is engineered to combat the challenges posed by wildfire smoke, ensuring cleaner indoor environments. #metalmarkinnovations #wildfiresmoke #particulatematter #smokepollution #indoorairquality #airfilters #tatama #cleanairsolutions #healthyenvironment

Smoke is not going away – over a century of fuel accumulation and a changing climate makes wildfires inevitable. But not all fires are wild and not all smoke is equal. Wildfires are unplanned and uncontrolled fires in the natural environment that are increasingly impacting the built environment. Prescribed fire is the planned ignition of a defined area to meet specific objectives in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Prescribed burns are a successful tool that improves the health of high-frequency fire dependent ecosystems and can make communities safer by reducing overabundant trees and shrubs, fallen leaves, and other natural matter that provide fuel for extreme and often destructive wildfires. Preparing for a prescribed burn takes months – sometimes years – of skills training, planning, and coordination with government agencies to ensure the safety and success of the burn. Depending on the size and complexity of the targeted burn area, a prescribed burn plan and a smoke management plan must be prepared for review by a certified burn boss and approved by Cal Fire and the local air district, respectively. Prescribed burns are designed to minimize adverse smoke effects on people, communities, and airsheds. They are also meant to ensure the results of burning yield desired effects including reducing fuels, improving wildlife habitat, controlling weeds, and addressing other societal objectives. Read more in the Press Democrat op-ed written by our CEO, Tom Gardali, “Close to Home: Prescribed fire can mitigate smoke impacts from wildfires” https://lnkd.in/gkiHCknW Photo by Erika Lutz #fireforward #goodfire #fireresilience

https://lnkd.in/gThfzvw9 The focus of our efforts for reducing wildfire risk is working around the edges of the risk. Fire smart activities like prescribed burns have been practiced in the dryer grassland timber interface areas. Some brushing has been done in areas near communities. Those are important. In the spruce and pine bark beetle era in the 1970 - 2010s, the government and industry tackled the big risk mature and older timber areas with aggressive harvesting and reforestation. We avoided the potential for trauma. We are now in a period of seeing what happens if we leave trees in the boreal forest to get older and drier. Most of the big wildfires take place in these timber areas. It's nature's way of refreshing the forest for future generations. We don't have to take that risk, but it seems that is the choice. We need to modernize forest management in BC. The Swedes and Fins can provide some insights. Others, too. In the meantime, we need lots of rain like the Coastal forests have.

Wildfires are a risk we all should be worried about. They affect the air we breath causing health concerns for vulnerable populations. When fires happen near urban interfaces they can cause catastrophic damages. The forecast for this year is not looking good. Consider your risks and ways to minimize chances of a wildfire affecting you. If you live in a location at risk of wildfires, have an evacuation plan. It is better to think it through before and be prepared.

🔥 California is experiencing an active early fire year. 🔥 The number of wildfires is up 9% this spring, but the acres burned have skyrocketed by 1,462% - from 5,747 acres to 89,784 acres over the same period (Jan 1 - Jun 19), which is well above normal for this time of year. 95% of wildfires in California are human-caused and are occurring in areas with grasses and light flashy fuels that have dried out. Additionally, winds are contributing to these fires moving quickly and consuming thousands of acres. Californians can help by being wildfire-safe: 🚫 Don’t mow after 10 a.m. 🔗 Don’t allow vehicle tow chains to drag. 🚗 Don’t pull your vehicle into dry grass. 💡 One less spark is one less wildfire. Follow incidents in real-time at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/ and learn more about preventing wildfire at: https://lnkd.in/gAwddYCq

This year's #wildfire season is shaping up to be quite the topic of discussion. With #ClimateChange continuing to impact our #environment, it's important to stay informed on the latest developments in fire management and prevention. The insights from Canadian Underwriter shed light on key factors influencing this year's season, from weather patterns to human behavior. Understanding these trends is important in order to take proactive steps to protect our communities and natural landscapes. By delving into the data and analysis provided, we can better equip ourselves to mitigate risks and respond effectively to wildfire events. #WildfireSeason #RiskManagement

The second largest #wildfire in #Texas history is actively burning, in some places out of control, in the Texas Panhandle. Having already consumed over 500,000 acres and homes in multiple cities, this typically out of season wildfire serves as yet another reminder of the year-round #risk of fires. Major disruptions from both fire and low air quality expected across North and Central Texas. https://lnkd.in/gKppbWkB

Wildland Prep: Ready -- Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire, so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. Set -- Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety. Go -- Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

If you live in Alberta or British Columbia (or Nova Scotia!!), you've probably got wildfires on your mind already. Check out this practical advice from the Intact Centre's Blair Feltmate and Intact Insurance West SVP Luisa Currie on how to keep your home and property safer. #fireaware #climateadaptation

Our AccuWeather expert forecasters show U.S. wildfire season is pacing 2022 and 2018 where 7.6 million and 8.6 million acres burned respectively. Historical data shows that the extent of area burned by wildfires each year appears to have increased since the 1980s. Acreage is an important measure, but we also need to consider the social and economic impact of these fires and smoke.