When most of us think back to the summer of 2023, we will remember it as three things: hot, dry and smoky. This year, Canada has experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, with more than 1,000 active fires burning in August. For those of us lucky enough to not be directly affected […] Read more
Tag Archives wildfires
Community support key to surviving wildfires
Alta. and B.C. ranchers say communication also important as they talk about lessons learned this dry, dangerous summer
Planning, community support and being able to move quickly have been integral for ranchers managing grazing cattle as wildfires advance. The Hoffman-Turner family is keeping an eye on the Ross Moore Lake Fire, near Kamloops, B.C., after it forced them to evacuate their home more than five weeks ago. Diane and Grant Hoffman, their daughter […] Read more
B.C. crop yields up in the air amid drought
Scattered rainfall has helped some producers in the province’s Peace Country but have made yield projections difficult
Crops in British Columbia have gone from bad to worse as a grave wildfire situation compounds drought problems. B.C. Premier David Eby called a state of emergency for the entire province last week. B.C.’s Peace Country near the Alberta border, has dealt with fire and drought this year, but cereal, pulse and oilseed crops are […] Read more
Struggling B.C. ranchers desperately need feed
Cattle producers are coping with a significant drought this year that is severe and widespread across the entire province
Beef producers in British Columbia, facing heat waves, drought and wildfires, are working with the provincial government to get the help they need. It includes seeking federal approval for funding under the AgriRecovery program, said Kevin Boon, general manager for the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Provincial officials have also provided $150,000 to help beef producers find […] Read more
All people must be put first in Alberta wildfire fight
Rural firefighters say local farmers and ranchers can be among their most valuable assets when tackling wildfires such as those now raging in Alberta and the other prairie provinces. Rural residents know the fire areas intimately, including location of water sources and access roads. But conflicts can flare in cases where people outside of the […] Read more
Wildfire preparation requires thorough evacuation plan
Producers need to know ahead of time how and where they will move their livestock if a dangerous situation occurs
From the moment an individual decides to have livestock on their land Mikki Shatosky, emergency management co-ordinator for the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) organization, said they must start thinking about how to deal with emergencies, whether it's weather or disease related.
Wildfire preparation requires a plan
From the moment an individual decides to have livestock on their land Mikki Shatosky, emergency management co-ordinator for the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) organization, said they must start thinking about how to deal with emergencies, whether it's weather or disease related.
Alberta farmers and ranchers pitch in to fight fires
Asked about integrating the agricultural community into the response, Josee St-Onge, Alberta Wildfire information officer, said firefighting is complicated and dangerous.
Alta. producers clamour for access to livestock as wildfires rage
The agriculture community in areas hit by wildfires in Alberta are increasingly agitating to be able to access their livestock and protect their ranches as the threat of drier temperatures and elevated risk of fires loom on the horizon. Premier Danielle Smith responded to criticisms of the slow response to the wildfires and producers being […] Read more
