Facing Fire: Building Resiliency to Wildfire | VIDEO

WILL WE MANAGE FIRE OR WILL FIRE MANAGE US?

The question isn’t if fire will happen, but rather when it will strike. Fire is an intrinsic part of our ecosystem’s evolution.

For over a century, we’ve believed we knew the best way to tackle wildfire in North America. The mindset that “the only good wildfire is one that isn’t burning” has led to dangerously high fuel loads in our forests. As we continue to expand our communities into wildfire-prone areas, we are faced with the consequences of our choices. Now, we must ask ourselves: will we adjust our approach to coexist with nature and wildfire, or will we persist in our battle against them?

This thought-provoking video, crafted by Javan Bernakevitch, a Regenerative Land Designer and Educator from Okanagan, BC, challenges us to rethink our relationship with fire.

With a focus on creating ecologically sound and productive landscapes, Javan collaborates with homesteaders, organizations, and families to build regenerative environments and livelihoods. His extensive experience includes co-founding a successful microgreens company, establishing the Southern Vancouver Island Permablitz Network, and teaching Permaculture Design Courses to over 1,450 students globally. He has also been a guest lecturer at several Canadian universities and partnered with various ecological organizations.

Join us in exploring a transformative way of thinking—shifting from merely fighting wildfires to working with fire as a tool for managing and designing our fire-prone landscapes.

This film was made possible through the support of TELUS STORYHIVE and CREATIVE BC.