Brian Skakun

PRINCE GEORGE – A Prince George city councillor Brian Skakun is calling for a province-wide public inquiry into wildfire mitigation, arguing that increasingly severe fire seasons and growing threats to communities demand stronger action from government. Skakun posted on Facebook that British Columbians have been fortunate to avoid some of the worst outcomes seen in wildfire-prone regions despite years of major fire activity. …He noted that devastating wildfire seasons are not a new phenomenon, pointing to major fire activity dating back to 2017. …According to Skakun, discussions about wildfire mitigation often avoid contentious topics such as forest management practices, including clear-cut logging. He believes a formal inquiry could produce recommendations that governments would be compelled to address. …Skakun said municipalities need resources and funding to help reduce wildfire risks and believes they deserve a seat at the table as the province considers future solutions.