Forest fires have a role to play
Three months after a forest fire, signs of new life are evident
The aftermath of a forest fire looks devastating, with hectares of charred tree stumps and no sign of life. But it's not as bad as it looks, as reporter Kelly Crowe discovered in 1998. Just three months later, the charred forest is alive again.
"Here in the middle of the forest, fire is a critical natural force," Crowe reported. "Without fire, in some places, a forest can't survive."
The heat of the fire melts the resin that seals pinecones, releasing new seeds to take root in a forest floor now clear of debris. Rangers were beginning to take a more relaxed stance to forest fires than in the past, battling blazes only when they threatened people, property and valuable timber.
"[Fire] is the dominant mechanism that freshens up the landscape," explained Banff National Park warden Ian Pengelly.
Emphasis on prevention
Forty years earlier, in 1958, British Columbia experienced its worst wildfire season until 2017. All fire permits were suspended and forest areas were closed to visitors. With daily temperatures of 39 C and humidity at 18 per cent, a carelessly thrown cigarette butt could set off a raging inferno.
Road crews painted highway signs reminding smokers in vehicles to use their ashtrays.
Many Canadians are familiar with Smokey Bear, the symbol of forest fire prevention in the United States since 1944. His famous slogan was: "Only you can prevent forest fires."
But Canada had its own version: "Litter-Picking Pete," a character representing good outdoor manners created in 1962 by Ontario's forestry department. Pete was designed to complement Smokey's warnings rather than replace them.
