Costs of emergency management and readiness are increasing year over year amidst drought conditions and preparation for another busy wildfire season. Overall though, are preventative measures against natural disasters like wildfires cost-effective when compared with rebuilding, post-disaster?
MLA for Prince George – Mackenzie district Mike Morris says yes. Although the cost of services like BC Wildfire Service are high, greater investments need to be made both in emergency response, and in regards to larger scale forest restoration. He admits, “this is something (BC) should have looked at a long time ago.”
Morris asserts that forestry practices have exacerbated the ecological situation that leads to both flooding and wildfire. This includes densely populated conifer plantations, which are vulnerable to lightning strikes. Ultimately, he encourages government, individual communities, and the private sector to all work together to address a gradual multi-decade solution to restore ecological health and disaster mitigation.
