Supported by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and UNBC’s Office of Research and Innovation, Wildfire Friday 2024 brought together students, faculty, wildfire experts, and community members to explore the far-reaching impacts of wildfires in northern B.C. The event featured presentations from faculty, students, and community members on diverse aspects of wildfire science.

A hands-on Wildfire Data Challenge workshop, led by B.C. Ministry of Forests climatologist Vanessa Foord and UNBC graduate student Michael Samoil, engaged participants in using climate and wildfire data tools for real-world applications.

An expert panel at the Two Rivers Gallery included Dr. Phil Burton (UNBC Professor Emeritus), Dr. Kira Hoffman (fire ecologist and postdoctoral researcher at UBC and the Bulkley Valley Research Centre), and Alicia Woods (wildlife biologist and UNBC alumna). The panel offered a multidisciplinary perspective on wildfire management, including prescribed and cultural fire practices.

The event concluded with a keynote talk by Dr. Kira Hoffman, who highlighted the role of “boundary spanners” in building trust, relationships, and capacity to enable effective collaboration.