Monocultures, glyphosate fanning flames of forest fires

By Monika Rekola
Orillia Matters
January 19, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada East

Recently, images of air tankers releasing bright red and pink powder over Los Angeles suburbs have taken the internet by storm. The dramatic, almost surreal sight has a practical purpose as the Forest Service uses fire retardants to help fight the raging wildfires. These substances coat vegetation and surfaces to starve the fire of oxygen, slow the burn and give ground crews a fighting chance. …While these chemical suppressants might help fight fires, they’re not without their downsides. Recent research suggests they can be harmful to both human health and the environment. The chemicals in fire retardants pose risks to fish, wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. …If we take a moment to listen to the lessons these disasters are teaching us, we can shift toward a more balanced, sustainable approach to forest management here in Ontario.

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