A University of Alberta graduate student wants to hear from residents of West Kelowna and Cranbrook about how they feel about wildfire smoke香蕉视频直播攁nd the growing use of prescribed burns to manage it.
Sandani Siriwardhana is inviting the communities to take part in a short online survey that looks at how the public responds to prescribed fire and smoke, how prepared they feel, and what actions they take during smoky conditions.
香蕉视频直播淚'm doing this research with Dr. Tara McGee, who has worked for decades in the field of human dimensions of hazards,香蕉视频直播� Siriwardhana said.
Prescribed fire is intentionally set under controlled conditions to reduce the risk of larger wildfires and to support ecological health, according to Parks Canada. It香蕉视频直播檚 being used more often in B.C. and across the country.
香蕉视频直播淎s that happens, it's important to recognize that people in the community may have different views or concerns,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淎nd public support really matters because even the best designed solution will not work well without trust and understanding.香蕉视频直播�
Siriwardhana explained that understanding residents香蕉视频直播� concerns and better communication will ensure solutions are actually responsive to the people they affect.
香蕉视频直播淪o this research is about making space for those voices.香蕉视频直播�
She chose to focus on West Kelowna and Cranbrook because both communities are located in wildfire-prone areas where prescribed burning has already taken place.
香蕉视频直播淭hese cities offer unique insight into how communities that live close to the fire risks perceive the smoke, safety, and the trade-offs involved in managing landscapes with fire,香蕉视频直播� she added.
Anyone over the age of 18 can complete the survey, which is open until the end of July.
香蕉视频直播淲e ask about your level of support for prescribed fire, how acceptable you find the smoke from different fire types, and whether you take any steps to protect yourself from smoke,香蕉视频直播� she said.
Once the survey closes, the findings will be shared with academic audiences, and frontline agencies, including the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).
香蕉视频直播淲e hope the results will help BCWS with their prescribed burning, planning and community engagement and communications activities,香蕉视频直播� Siriwardhana said.
The . Participants have a chance to win one of eight $25 gift cards.
