Saskatchewan wildfires have caused significant destruction, but many experts believe that controlled prescribed burns are an effective method for maintaining the health of the prairies.
Samantha Gunn, an educator at the Brightwater Science, Environmental, and Indigenous Learning Centre near Saskatoon, shared with CBC’s Blue Sky her integration of planned fires into the center’s curriculum and management of its natural prairie landscapes.
“We are striving to gain insights into the Prairie we inhabit. Fire is a natural element of this ecosystem,” she explained.
Prescribed burns are carefully planned, taking into account factors like wind conditions, temperature, humidity, seasonality, and time of day.
Renny Grilz, a resource management officer at the Meewasin Valley Authority, acknowledged the devastation caused by uncontrolled fires but highlighted the safe use of fire for managing grassland ecosystems.
Prescribed burns can eliminate pests, enhance food sources, and support food harvesting areas. However, a culture of fear surrounding fire usage was established when prescribed burns were prohibited under the Prairie Fires Act of 1898.
Grilz is a founding member of the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange (CPPFE), which focuses on sharing expertise and training related to controlled fires and their advantages.
In 2019, Gunn collaborated with the CPPFE to implement prescribed burns at Brightwater. Proper training, equipment, and resources were provided, leading to two successful prescribed fires and the integration of this practice into the community.
Gunn emphasized the importance of having a skilled team to support prescribed burns and stressed the need for developing expertise to responsibly reintroduce fire to the prairie landscape.
Brightwater has integrated fire management into its core educational programs, engaging students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in fire science and community involvement.
The initiative has also inspired some students to consider pursuing fire management as a career path, showcasing the positive impact of the program.
Overall, the incorporation of prescribed burns has been a valuable addition to Brightwater’s curriculum, empowering students to recognize their ability to effect positive change in their environment.