BC Announces 64 New Projects to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Support Forestry

On Thursday, British Columbia announced 64 new Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that are aimed at reducing wildfire risk, enhancing forest health, and getting more fiber into the hands of mills and energy producers.

With C$19 million in provincial funding, projects will take place in all eight of the province’s natural resource regions. This includes 31 led by First Nations and another 14 with First Nations involvement, demonstrating the critical leadership role First Nation communities are playing in restoring and protecting BC’s forests. This funding is part of the C$90 million allocated in 2025 for wildfire-prevention initiatives through the BC Wildfire Service, FireSmart initiatives, and FESBC.

Wildfire-mitigation projects remove excess wood and flammable undergrowth from areas around rural centers and have proven effective during previous wildfire seasons. The BC Wildfire Service is planning to treat 9,600 hectares (23,700 acres) in 2025–26, with more than an additional 2,100 hectares (5,200 acres) planned under FESBC.

Fiber-recovery projects take wood fiber that would otherwise be burned or abandoned and put it in the hands of mills and forestry companies that can use it, helping keep forestry workers on the job.

In a statement, FESBC Executive Director Jason Fisher said:

“We received so many excellent applications from interested parties across the province looking to invest in the future of B.C.’s forests. After careful review, we are pleased to be able to support a portfolio of projects that will make forests more resilient and communities safer, while unlocking the value of wood waste generated through forest-management activities.”