TRU joins panel on wildfire challenges

The power of research, education, technology and collaboration is the focus of a special panel session at next week’s Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit as TRU officials join government leaders to discuss ways to fight the challenges posed by wildfires.

TRU President Brett Fairbairn and Dr. Mike Flannigan, scientific director of TRU’s Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency, are serving on the panel, Fire Knows No Borders: Enhancing Disaster Response Capabilities through Technology and Collaboration, on Tues., July 23. BC Forests Minister Bruce Ralston also joins the panel, as well as forestry, emergency management and technology experts.

Fire Knows No Borders will explore wildfire management advancements while emphasizing the pivotal role of technology and cross-agency collaboration. Discussion will also focus on how emerging tools and platforms foster a connected, data-informed and efficient approach to disaster preparedness and response. Speakers will also delve into traditional and time-tested methods of wildfire management as a crucial element of disaster mitigation and response.

“The partnership between TRU and the BC Wildfire Service, announced by Premier David Eby in April, is groundbreaking and has the potential to dramatically alter BC’s and Canada’s approaches to fighting wildfires,” said Fairbairn.

“This innovative partnership brings together a fire management agency and our educational institution to combine strengths in understanding and respond to the growing challenges of wildfire. We are taking a proactive and solutions-focused approach. We are proud to work alongside the BC Wildfire Service and Minister Ralston, and to be part of this PNWER discussion.”

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region is recognized as the model for regional and bi-national co-operation, providing a platform for collaboration among public, private, academic and non-profit stakeholders to work together as a region in pursuit of common goals.

About TRU Wildfire
TRU Wildfire, in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service, brings together research, education, training, and innovation to meet the needs of climate adaptation around wildfire. Research and innovation drives new knowledge and discovers solutions. Education and training supports wildland firefighters and communities. TRU Wildfire will improve society’s ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfire. tru.ca/wildfire