British Columbia’s forests are increasingly on fire—and the consequences are catastrophic. As we approach another fire season, communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods are at growing risk. In this crisis, BC is Burning, a new two part documentary, offers both a wake-up call and a beacon of hope. The film explores fuel loading, carbon emissions, proactive forest management and the need for a shift from suppression to increasing proactive prevention activities, offering solutions to reduce the mega-fires that are becoming all too common.
The Escalating Threat
Wildfires have become a regular occurrence in British Columbia. Since 2017, over 7 million hectares of forest have burned, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Wildfire emissions in BC regularly double the carbon dioxide emissions from all other sources combined. The wildfires of 2017 and 2018 alone forced thousands to flee, destroying homes, communities, and costing billions in economic and environmental damages.
The traditional approach of fighting fires once they’ve started is no longer enough. We need a new strategy that focuses not only on suppression but also on prevention.
A Solution in Active Forest Management
The core message of BC is Burning is the importance of active forest management. By managing forest landscapes, harvesting trees, thinning overcrowded forests, and using controlled burns, we can reduce fuel loads and prevent catastrophic fires. Scaling up reforestation efforts will also help reduce carbon emissions. This proactive approach, proven in fire-prone regions worldwide, remains underutilized in BC.
California’s Fire Resilience Action Plan
A key element of BC is Burning is its exploration of California’s Fire Resilience Action Plan. The documentary visits California to examine how the state has shifted from reactive suppression to increasing proactive prevention and resilience. California’s plan prioritizes strategies including increasing forest harvesting, supporting the forest products sector, reducing forest density and encouraging controlled burns to reduce fire intensity.
By studying California’s approach, BC is Burning explores how these lessons can be adapted to improve wildfire management in BC.
The Role of Experts, Science and Policy
BC is Burning includes interviews with scientists, foresters, policy leaders, and forest management experts, who combined, have spent centuries studying and working in BC’s forests. These experts provide critical insights into the challenges BC’s forests face and offer grounded solutions for reducing fire risks and restoring forest health.
Filming and Funding the Project
Filming for BC is Burning began last summer, with a targeted release date of May 2025. The trailer has already received over 45,000 views on YouTube, reflecting the public’s growing concern about wildfires and the urgent need for action.
The film has been made possible through donations from a host of individuals and organizations like Homestead Foods, Skyline Helicopters, Padoin Reforestation, WCSIC and Emil Anderson Group. These contributions are crucial to completing the film and ensuring it reaches a broad audience. As fire season approaches, BC is Burning aims to raise awareness and inspire action in communities across BC and beyond.
A Call to Action for the Future
BC is Burning isn’t just about documenting the wildfire crisis. The film encourages viewers to take responsibility for their communities, support proactive forest management, and advocate for policies prioritizing fire prevention while supporting suppression efforts.
As fire season looms, we all have a role to play in reducing wildfire risks. Whether through creating fire-smart spaces around homes, supporting fire-resilience policies, or raising awareness, every action counts. By making proactive choices, we can build safer, more resilient communities.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
BC is Burning is more than just a documentary—it calls for collective action. By embracing active forest management, supporting fire-smart initiatives, and increasing focus on prevention, we can protect our forests, communities, economy, and environment from the devastating effects of catastrophic wildfires.
Filming began last summer, with a May 2025 release targeted. For more information, including the trailer and how to donate or get involved, visit bcisburning.ca.
Watch BC is Burning, learn about the challenges and solutions, and become part of the conversation. Together, we can turn the tide on wildfires and ensure that our forests—and our future—remain safe and resilient.
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Murray Wilson is a retired forester with over four decades of experience in wildfire suppression and forest management. With a lifelong connection to BC’s forests, he’s passionate about reducing wildfire risks through active, responsible stewardship and building resilience for future generations.