…Canada’s record-shattering wildfire season has made it clear that traditional firefighting methods are no longer enough, experts say. Instead of focusing on putting out flames, wildfire agencies, provincial governments and the logging industry must carry out fundamental changes to prevent fires from igniting and spreading in the first place. … “We need a paradigm shift from viewing the role of wildfire agencies as putting out fires to protecting human society,’’ said Yves Bergeron, University of Quebec. …“We’ve been too reactive,’’ said Michael Flannigan, fire expert at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. …Forest closures are “very unpopular but very effective at stopping human-caused fires,’’ Mr. Flannigan said. Political leaders reluctantly close forests, and even then only gradually, in part because of a loss of revenue and the unpopularity of shutting off access to public lands. …Encouraging the logging industry to cut in mosaic patterns could slow down the spread of fires. [This article is available to NY Times subscribers only]