FP Innovations Presentation on Wildfire Operations

Introduction

• Presenter: Michael Benson, Manager of Wildfire Operations at FP Innovations.
• Organization: FP Innovations, a not-for-profit research group in Canada.
• Main Focus: Wildfire operational research, primarily in western Canada (Alberta and British Columbia).

Video Presentation

• Created by FP Innovations in collaboration with multiple partners.
• Project Lead & Narrator: Charles Friesen, Senior Researcher in Forestry.
• Key Content: Strategies to mitigate and harness the energy of forest fires.

The Natural Cycle of Fires

• Energy Release: Forest fires release immense energy, with 2018 BC fires capable of powering Canada for a year.
• Research Focus: Redirecting this energy for constructive purposes.

Ecosystem Classification and Disturbance Patterns

• BC Land Base: Classified into biogeoclinic zones and natural disturbance types (NDT).
• NDT3: Frequent stand initiating events every 100-125 years, primarily fire-related.

Case Studies: Remote First Nations Communities

Cluskas Community

• Challenges: Isolated, off-grid, surrounded by forests, and prone to fires.
• Treatment: Removal of dead timber to reduce wildfire risk, using wood for community firewood and potential energy.

Alkali Lake Community

• NDT4: Frequent stand maintaining fires.
• Forest Management: Reflects natural ecosystem conditions, using thinning and fire management.
• Biomass Plant: Community uses biomass for energy, reducing reliance on propane.

Fort Ware Community

• Hazard Reduction Strategy: Involves cutting and replanting in controlled cycles to prevent fire spread.
• Biomass Plant: Operational for 3.5 years, creates jobs, and supports local sustainability.

Technological Solutions

• CHP Systems: Combined heat and power systems tested in Vancouver, ideal for remote communities.
• Gasifiers: Convert wood chips into electricity and heat, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Community Impact and Sustainability

• Job Creation: Biomass projects create local employment and self-sufficiency.
• Economic Development: Aligns community protection with economic growth.
• Food Production: Greenhouses powered by biomass provide fresh produce.

Future Prospects and Scalability

• Potential for expansion to other regions like Washington and Oregon.
• Targets small to medium off-grid communities.

Conclusion

• Presentation highlights FP Innovations' role in sustainable strategies for fire management and community protection.
• Encourages mutual learning and idea exchange within and beyond the Cascadia Corridor.
• Interest in further presentations from FP Innovations to explore their broader initiatives and partnerships.