Best Practices for Integrated Wildfire Information Management: Lessons from the 2024 Season, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

This research presents core components for an integrated, holistic approach to wildfire information and planning in northern British Columbia (BC), developed through partnerships with organizations, stakeholders, and at-risk communities. The approach focuses on providing timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate wildfire and air quality information to vulnerable communities, especially in remote and rural areas. Key elements include the deployment of automated air quality sensors and the use of R programming for efficient information dissemination. Through iterative collaboration and seasonal evaluations, best practices for knowledge translation and community-specific communication strategies have been established. The work-in-progress research also highlights the importance of community consent, feedback, and tailored messaging to improve comprehension and decision-making. Seasonal evaluations and impact assessment methods further refine the action plans for future wildfire seasons, ensuring continuous improvement in addressing the needs of at-risk populations. The study provides valuable ongoing insights for wildfire management both in Canada and globally, emphasizing collaborative, community-driven approaches.