Holistic Wildfire Management: Seeing Fire Through Multiple Lenses | Justin Perry | TEDxAbbotsford

Justin Perry offers a comprehensive understanding of wildfire behavior and management in British Columbia, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach. He discusses the historical suppression of wildfires and its unintended consequences, including increased fuel densities and heightened fire risks. Perry advocates for a balanced strategy that includes both manual treatments and controlled, prescribed burns, drawing on historical First Nations practices. Highlighting the economic and environmental costs of wildfires, he presents the success story of Logan Lake as a model for proactive, community-based wildfire management, underscoring the critical role of collaboration between governments and First Nations in addressing this pressing issue. Justin Perry is an instructor at BCIT in the Forest & Natural Areas Program. His work involves applying traditional and holistic approaches to wildfire management. Justin’s talk will focus on teaching the audience different components of wildfire such as forest ecology, fire behavior and the role of prescribed and cultural burning. Justin will discuss how can we change our relationship with fire and improve how it is managed. Justin Perry is a member of Métis Nation BC and is a lifetime resident of Squamish, the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@mikedrawley]

It’s refreshing to see someone advocate for controlled burns as a proactive measure and even more so to see someone who understands the importance of approaching an issue like this from different angles.

[@Therealspence]

The explanation of ladder fuels and their role in escalating wildfires was particularly enlightening. It’s clear that managing these can significantly alter a fire's behavior and it's awesome that he's spreading this kind of awareness

[@pavlova4727]

The point about the need for trust and collaboration with First Nations in wildfire management was powerful. Building relationships is key to progress in this area and I'm not surprised that there is so much mistrust on their end.

[@theclassicraphaelsanchez]

This definitely needs more attention, globally. The damage of wildfires and how they spread... unless you've seen it it's hard to understand but anyone in a community where this could happen should know about it and about preventive measures

[@justinperry1172]

Thanks for watching ✌🔥

[@mikedrawley]

thanks for doing it, important!!!!

[@yafaxestre]

The economic impact of wildfires is staggering. We definitely need to rethink our approach to save resources.

[@NOKS--yk4zx]

Fascinating to learn about the historical context of wildfire suppression and its long-term consequences. It's a crucial reminder of why we need to change our approach.

[@noraandrews8215]

Loved the comparison between driving speeds and controlled burning. It’s an effective way to illustrate how managing the intensity of fires can make a real difference in their manageability.

[@jacobydusar]

The way he explained controlled burning is spot on. I've tried explaining it to people before and they just don't get it. Will definitely be using that analogy next time.

[@archiegoodale]

I think the "through multiple lenses" part of this talk is really important. We've been conditioned to see fire as this big dangerous destructive thing but like most parts of nature, when it's allowed to serve its purpose it becomes manageable.

[@justinperry1172]

Thanks for your comment Archie. Glad I got this point across. Fire can obviously be very destructive but there are times when it is beneficial. I wanted to share multiple lenses so people wouldn't only see it as a negative force.

[@darrenroso2991]

THANKYOU! Very well explained. Another critical factor in fire Hazard reduction works is ensuring there is a spatial, temporal and fire intensity mosaic. Otherwise the landscape is homogenised and impacts of all other factors like drought, insect attack or impacts of deer or soil saturation during wet periods becomes unmanagable/very expensive.

[@alexindub]

Excellent talk Justin! I love all the different perspectives you brought to this complex topic.

[@SpaceHogGraphics]

Justin, congratulations! That was an excellent presentation! I learned a lot about fire and your delivery was clear, engaging and inspiring. Rock ON!!!

[@danthemanishere]

There were some horrific fires in Australia a few years back, a friend of mine actually had her farm burn down and said how she got advice from a member of their Indigenous community to replant trees ASAP because the root system plays an integral part when it's heavy rain season. Sure enough that same area got hit with massive rainfall and there was a huge amount of flooding and landslides but her farm was relatively okay. Point of the story, if your indigenous community is willing to give you advice about the land, take it.

[@oliviamay9232]

So proud of you Justin. You did an amazing job! Your passion for sharing knowledge will help so many. ❤❤❤

[@user-pu1yn8jg3n]

Excellent job, Justin! So proud of your accomplishments. Very informative and well presented. 😊

[@user-xd3if1ej6s]

Thanks for the informative insights and encouragement, Justin.

[@swaddington9399]

Thanks for this talk and helping us develop a new (or lost!) relationship fire. I was really interested to hear about Fire Smart and hope more towns can achieve this status. I will be sharing this!

[@imurdaddyforever]

First nation people learned to live in harmony with the natural fire cycles of their ecosystems. It makes sense that we should learn from them.

[@user-or8by9dh9t]

Great talk, and an awesome summary of the important facts!

[@dianethuna3727]

Great presentation on an important topic. I had not known, previously, about Firesmart communities.

[@charlotte-may9193]

Reducing ladder fuels makes a lot of sense as a management strategy. Fire is obviously easier to control with less to burn.

[@juliaalards-tomalin8311]

Wow Justin you are so eloquent! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@emmittgriswald]

Okay pretty interesting to hear about natural fires and the effects of suppressing them! Had no idea it was something that naturally occurred or was needed

[@eddieakpabio]

I've heard of controlled burns for fire management but I didn't know about the cutting methods! That makes a lot of sense

[@milapercava]

This is a global issue obviously, and should be seen by people in forestry and lands management

[@user-zm4ub7pl3i]

Justin, Very informative & well presented

[@sandypogson]

It's interesting to see how different ecosystems respond to fire... Kinda like how you wouldn't put water on an electrical fire... it's important to know which is which and what to do in each situation

[@wyndhamjt3429]

Excellent talk Justin! Great presentation of history, context and importance of wildfires in BC.

[@jennybennett-rp2nd]

Thank you for an informative lecture on ways to mitigate the devastating effect of our forest fires and to know that we our listening to our indigenous Elders. We need more leaders making or influencing decisions to protect and nurture our environment for the benefit of future generations instead of short term profit. Well done Justin.

[@user-cm2ql2gz2t]

Really cool topic and a great presentation!

[@ericanderson2730]

Thanks, Justin, for all your hard work on this important topic, and for sharing it with us!

[@milagroczarnecki]

Curiously several species of plants in Australia have evolved to depend on fire for their survival, so managing it is crucial to them.

[@mosharofhosain8265]

Thanks

[@rangerstv602]

What he says around the 15:00 mark, about the lack of trust. Can anyone blame them for that?

[@Ruby_sunn]

Useless

[@phillipnorris3rd]

thats not cool, really why?

[@pavlova4727]

not as useless as your comment 😂😂