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Canadian Council of Forest Ministers September 15, 2004 – Whitehorse, Yukon

Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy Managing the Risk Together. Canadian Council of Forest Ministers September 15, 2004 – Whitehorse, Yukon. Context. Fires larger than 200 ha - 1980-89. Area Burned. Total Cost. Variable costs (EFF). Base cost (budgeted). The Reality of Wildfire.

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Canadian Council of Forest Ministers September 15, 2004 – Whitehorse, Yukon

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  1. Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy Managing the Risk Together Canadian Council of Forest Ministers September 15, 2004 – Whitehorse, Yukon

  2. Context

  3. Fires larger than 200 ha - 1980-89 Area Burned Total Cost Variable costs (EFF) Base cost (budgeted) The Reality of Wildfire • Canada is a Forest Nation at Risk • Thousands (8500) of fires per year • Annual area burned = ½ the size of Nova Scotia (2.5 M hectares) • Only a few fires (3%) escape (but these are large and costly) • Fire fighting is expensive and costs are highly variable • Direct costs to governments=$400M/yr ($1 Billion in 2003) • 10-fold variation in costs from year to year for an agency

  4. Emerging Public Issues Canadians and their livelihoods at risk More people living in/near the forest Forest fire activity expected to dramatically increase Cost of fire fighting escalating Existing policies, practices, and capabilities need updating

  5. Current Response • Responsibility rests primarily with governments (not individuals and industry) • Multi-jurisdictional issue • Municipal/local - rural and urban • Provinces/territories - crown land • Federal – federal crown land • - insurer of last resort • Limited emphasis on integrated risk management • Primary focus is on fire suppression

  6. Current Response Balance/optimize fixed and variable firefighting costs Ontario - Level of Protection Simulation Model Analysis Variable costs (emergency firefighting) Fixed costs (base budget) Relative Costs (Millions $) Low fixed High variable costs High fixed Lower variable costs Scenarios

  7. Current Response Fire suppression is essential but it is impossible to control all wildfires Ontario - Level of Protection Simulation Model Analysis 18 Total (direct) cost 15 Escape fires 12 Relative Costs (millions $) 9 Percentage of Escape Fires 6 3 0 Low fixed High variable costs High fixed Lower variable costs Scenarios

  8. Expanding/Balancing the Tool Box Risk & Hazard Prevention Suppression / Response + Preparedness Mitigation + + + Recovery Response

  9. Hazard Mitigation + Suppression Can Work Mesa Verde Fire, Colorado (2003) Community threatened by a crown fire Lives and homes saved

  10. Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy A New and Innovative Approach/Business Model • Objectives • Expand/balance “tool kit” to reduce risk to Canadians, our forests, & our economy • Minimize overall government expenditures and stabilize cash flow • Equitable sharing of risks and benefits • Accelerate implementation of improvements • Respect jurisdictional authorities

  11. CCFM Actions on Wildland Fire Issue Sept 2002 June 2003 July/August 2003 Sept 2003 Nov 2003 Feb 2004 May 2004 June 2004 • CCFM Ministers endorse principle of renewing forest fire management capability in Canada • Provincial Ministers adhoc group meets with NRCan Minister re: enhancing fire fighting infrastructure • Nation-wide assistance given to BC during firestorm • CCFM establishes ADM fire strategy task team • ADMs recommend a new, broad approach to fire based on risk management and safety of Canadians • New framework for fire strategy developed and reviewed by DMs (BC and NRCan become co-leads)

  12. Political Direction / Agreement Program Drivers Strategic Framework Federal-Prov/Territorial MOU Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy Pan-Canadian Regional & national benefits Innovative risk sharing Equitable cost sharing • 2003 fire season • Heighten emphasis on public safety • 5 Point Plan-renew firefighting capacity • Envelopes/Elements • Risk Mitigation • Preparedness • Response • Recovery March 2005 January 2005 June 2004 Maintaining the Momentum

  13. Potential Outcomes of the Strategy National community wildfire hazard reduction program Innovative shared risk arrangements Even better firefighting cooperation (enhanced CIFFC) Feasible program to renew aging infrastructure (e.g., airtankers, equipment) Enhanced wildfire recovery policies and programs

  14. Proposed Action Plan • CCFM guidance/decisions • Complete concept development and implementation options • Provincial/Territorial Cabinets’ and Premiers Priorities • Federal Cabinet Support • Initiate proposals for 2005-06 business cycle • MOU signed • Approval of program funding • Implementation and management Sept 2004 Nov 2004 Dec 2004 Dec 2004 Jan 2005 April 2005

  15. Requested Decisions • Do the Ministers endorse the described approach to creating a new Canadian Wildland Fire Management Strategy? • 2. Are the Ministers willing to champion this initiative with your colleagues and leaders?

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