By Aline Bouwman, Marketing and Communications

When the town of Lytton, B.C. burned down in 2021, it was a stark reminder of the growing threat wildfires pose to communities across the province. With Canada’s wildfires responsible for more carbon emissions than most industrialized countries annually, understanding their causes and impacts is more critical than ever. 

Susan Smythe, an instructor in the Geography and the Environment program at Douglas College, brings a wealth of knowledge to this urgent issue. Specializing in biogeography, she teaches classes on wildfires and climate change, helping students grasp the complex interplay between natural and human factors that fuel these devastating blazes. 

We sat down with Susan to learn more about what fans the flames of British Columbia’s forest fires. 

Why are B.C.’s forests vulnerable to wildfires? 

Fire is natural. It’s always been part of Earth’s history. But in recent times, we’re seeing a few changes. There’s been a pine beetle infestation that has added more dead wood to the forest floor. That dead wood is fuel for a fire when there’s a lightning strike. 

What part do humans play in perpetuating forest firest? 

We humans sometimes accidentally create fire. But we also suppress fires – we send out fire fighters and water bombers to combat wildfires. Ironically, that allows even more dead wood to accumulate on the forest floor for future forest fires to consume.  

How does climate change exacerbate the issue? 

In a warming world, we have more ignitable, drier fuel. Simultaneously, the warmer air rises to form more towering thunderstorms and lightning strikes.  We’re getting larger fires that take out more habitat that all living beings need.