A comparatively warm and dry winter here in British Columbia has experts predicting a bad year for wildfires across the province. While wildfires have always been a natural part of British Columbia’s seasonal cycle, increasing seasonal average temperatures and decreased precipitation are contributing to longer, more widespread and more destructive wildfire seasons, with four of the worst seasons in recorded history having occurred in the past 7 years (2017, 2018, 2021, and 2023).
Unfortunately, human activity is the cause of about 40% of wildfires in the province. Human caused wildfires may be either intentional or unintentional and can include causes such as open burning, industrial activity, fireworks, sky-lanterns, improper discarding of burning items such as cigarettes, or arson. While this is a frustrating statistic to digest, the silver lining is that there is great potential for wildfire prevention through proper education, awareness and subsequent behavioral changes.
This blog post contains advertisements and newspaper articles published in B.C. between 1904-1981 regarding wildfire prevention. These materials are from our BC Historical Newspapers collection which is available through UBC’s Open Collections.
It is interesting to observe the difference in how wildfire prevention was addressed in the 20th Century compared to how it is addressed in contemporary media. Historically, the major focus to inspire wildfire prevention was to emphasize the negative economic and industry impacts of the destructive blazes. Today, while the economic and financial impact of wildfires is still part of the conversation, it is more common for the focus to be on climate change, ecological impacts, health risks and loss of life. These differences are indicative of a shift in shared cultural values as well as scientific advancement that has allowed for better understanding of the causes and long term ecological and health impacts of wildfires.
While this blog post is not an educational resource on wildfire prevention, we hope that it inspires you to be wildfire aware and practice safety precautions when enjoying the great outdoors. For information on wildfire prevention, please visit the BC government’s webpage, which contains several resources.
Similkameen Star – August 1904
This article from the Similkameen Star discusses the responsibilities of individuals to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Cumberland Islander – July 1929
This advertisement from the Cumberland Islander in 1929 highlights the devastating impact of wildfires on raw materials, and the rippling economic impact that raw materials shortages have on other Canadian industries.
This public opinion advertisement from the B.C. Forest Service emphasizes the ‘hostile’ public attitude to ignorance that results in harm and encourages people not to be careless.
The Princeton Star – August 1930
Wildfires are a direct risk to Canadian forest industries; this advertisement frames the economic impact of wildfires on Canada’s national wealth and advises Canadians to “be careful with fire while in the woods”.
Similkameen Star – December 1938
This warning to hunters and fisherman was published in the Similkameen Star by the Game Commission. It warns outdoorsman of hunting accidents and wildfire risks and the precautions that should be taken to avoid harm and ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.
This wildfire prevention advertisement was featured in The Coast News in 1947. Once again this ad emphasizes the value of losses caused by wildfires. The Minister of Lands and Forests warns people to “BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE! PREVENT FOREST FIRES!”.
Sunshine Coast News – March 1981
The Province of BC’s Ministry of Forests ran this advertisement in the Sunshine Coast News in 1981. The advertisement is regarding the Ministry’s new policies on “costs and action responsibilities for wildfires in British Columbia”.
We hope you enjoyed seeing these vintage wildfire prevention ads, and that you were inspired to practice preventative measures while enjoying the outdoors.
Thank you for reading!
