Study recommends limiting development in high-risk areas after Okanagan wildfires

A study on the 2023 wildfires in British Columbia's Okanagan region recommends limiting development in high-fire-risk areas. The report highlights that embers, rather than direct flames, primarily caused wildfires to spread into neighborhoods. The study, commissioned by the BC FireSmart Committee, found that flammable materials near buildings significantly affected their survival during the fires. It suggests increasing zoning setbacks and improving landscaping regulations to create non-combustible zones around structures. Additional recommendations include using fire-resistant materials and enhancing enforcement of regulations in wildfire-prone areas. The report aims to improve community resilience against future wildfires.