B.C. invests $20M in wildfire prevention projects this year
Province funds 60 forest enhancement projects across the province focusing on fuel reduction.
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B.C. is committing $20 million to forest enhancement projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk, with funding flowing through the Forest Enhancement Society of BC to localized companies, First Nations, and governments.
The investment will support 60 projects in 2026 and 2027, with nearly all focused on wildfire risk reduction. Work includes creating fuel breaks, removing residual fuels, conducting prescribed burns, and improving egress routes.
"The best wildfire is the one that never starts," said B.C. Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar. "Through this investment into FESBC, we're investing in wildfire resilience and this means local logs for local mills to create local jobs."
The Woodlot Product Development Council will receive the largest single allotment—just over $1.4 million—to conduct treatments on woodlots throughout the province. Logan Lake's community forest corporation will receive nearly $1.1 million for fuel treatments in its area. For non-wildfire projects, Taan Forest, a Haida forestry company, is getting $347,400 for riparian restoration.
The funding represents the third year of a three-year $60 million commitment announced in Budget 2024. These projects provide economic benefit, supporting forest-sector jobs in rural areas while helping restore wildlife habitat and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.