York University gets $386K for wildfire risk study

York University has received nearly $400,000 from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to study wildfire management in communities at risk. The funding, amounting to $386,000, comes from the Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge Program as part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative. This project will address challenges that local governments face in implementing wildfire prevention practices. It aims to enhance community readiness as the frequency and severity of wildfires grow. Experts believe better preparation can help protect homes, lives, and economies. The project is led by York's Associate Professor of Emergency Management in collaboration with several partners, including FireSmart Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. "By improving our wildfire knowledge and strategies, we can reduce the impact of wildfires," stated Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Many residents in fire-prone areas face obstacles when trying to protect their properties, such as high costs for safety measures like roofing replacements. Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament, emphasized the need for everyone to work together on fire prevention strategies. The project will investigate how local governments can create fire-resistant neighborhoods and offer better resources. It aims to identify effective approaches to boost wildfire mitigation efforts and make it easier for communities to adopt them. Plans include analyzing the barriers to wildfire prevention and developing partnerships with local governments. The initiative also aims to gather national insights through surveys and case studies. Ultimately, this project hopes to refine and improve fire risk management across Canada.