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Shaping the Future of Wildfire Management With TRU Wildfire
Thompson Rivers University Campus © Courtesy of TRU
Shaping the Future of Wildfire Management With TRU Wildfire
As wildfire activity intensifies worldwide, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. Thompson Rivers University (TRU), a national leader in wildfire studies, is addressing this crisis with a groundbreaking initiative— TRU Wildfire.
In partnership with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), TRU Wildfire integrates cutting-edge research, education, training and innovation to face the escalating challenges of wildfire management. Its mission is clear: bridge the gap between knowledge and real-world experience to better prepare communities and future leaders against the threat and impacts of wildfires.
THE FUTURE OF WILDFIRE RESPONSE
Located in the heart of B.C.’s Southern Interior in Kamloops, TRU is the only Canadian university with two research chairs exclusively dedicated to wildfire science, making it uniquely positioned to lead in this field.
The initiative draws on the expertise of Dr. Jill Harvey, Canada Research Chair in Fire Ecology, and Dr. Mike Flannigan, B.C. Innovation Research Chair in Predictive Services, Emergency Management, and Fire Science, who drive advancements in fire science at TRU. Dr. Lauchlan Fraser, NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation, contributes expertise in recovering disturbed ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change. Collectively, their research expands critical knowledge and drives innovations that directly benefit communities.
Partnering with Indigenous knowledge holders, TRU integrates traditional insights into its initiatives, ensuring an inclusive and culturally respectful approach.
One recent research project, co-led by the Ulkatcho First Nation, studied lichen and forest regrowth after wildfires in the Ulkatcho Territory, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and Dakelh language into the project’s study design, data collection and eventual findings.
“Our goal is to equip future leaders and communities with the information needed to stay safe and resilient against wildfire threats,” says Dr. Shannon Wagner, Vice-President of Research. “Working together with the BCWS, government, universities, Indigenous knowledge holders and industry leaders, we will link critical resources to find solutions for current and future wildfire challenges.”
DRIVING INNOVATION IN WILDFIRE SCIENCE
At the heart of TRU Wildfire is the newly established Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation, and Resiliency, which focuses on growing research in four core areas—fire science, Indigenous fire stewardship, community and social resiliency, and health and wellness. The Institute drives valuable research and innovations, translating knowledge into actionable solutions that help society adapt to changing wildlife behaviour.
“Our research is pioneering new technologies and methods to enhance wildfire prediction,” explains Dr. Wagner. “These findings improve response efficiency and effectiveness through increased understanding of wildfires, and create tangible, real-world outcomes in the field.”
For instance, collaborating with the predictive services unit within the BC Wildfire Service, TRU Wildfire researchers are enhancing long-term weather forecasting models, making fire danger predictions more accurate and reliable. This work will enhance the accuracy and reliability of fire danger predictions, helping communities stay ahead of wildfire threats and improve emergency response efforts. TRU Wildfire and BCWS are also refining fire growth models and enhancing lightning strike forecasts, both crucial for predicting and managing wildfire outbreaks more effectively.
PREPARING THE WILDFIRE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Together with the BCWS, TRU Wildfire is committed to developing the next generation of wildfire leaders and envisions creating a clear educational pathway— from certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s and master’s degreesin wildfire science. This dedicated academic pathway will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a long-term career in wildfire management.
TRU’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) program will allow current firefighters to apply for translation of their work experience into university credits.
"A significant number of our students work for wildfire management agencies over the summer and return to TRU in the fall after active wildfire seasons. Their real-world insights enrich our research and guide the future generation of wildfire leaders,” says Dr. Jill Harvey, Canada Research Chair in Fire Ecology. “By blending real-world experience with research, we're able to quickly advance our understanding and create effective solutions to improve wildfire response both locally and globally.”
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
TRU Wildfire is more than just an initiative—it’s a crucial step toward a safer, more resilient future. By integrating research, education, training and innovation, TRU Wildfire empowers future leaders with the tools to build a resilient future against wildfires.
Learn more about how you can be part of the wildfire solution at tru.ca/wildfire
