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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

Wildfire Science

Wildfire Science

Wildfire has become a common occurrence in Canada with more than 6,000 fires burning an average of 2.6 million hectares (about half the size of Nova Scotia) each year during the past decade.

While more extreme fire weather and fire activity is expected, there are opportunities to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires by adapting fire management strategies to mitigate for changing climate and other risks.

That’s where TRU and our unparalleled expertise in wildfire science comes in. Located in an epicentre for wildfire and smoke, TRU’s world-renowned wildfire science team is the only one in Canada to have two research chairs dedicated solely to wildfire science. Without question, TRU is advancing world-class wildfire research.

Wildfire experts on campus

TRU’s team of wildfire experts is unparalleled. We are the only Canadian university with two research chairs dedicated solely to wildfire science. Our world-renowned experts are leading research on a wide array of fire-related topics including wildfire behaviour, landscape fire modelling and ecosystem changes resulting from wildfire.

Dr. Mike Flannigan

Dr. Mike Flannigan

BC Innovation Research Chair in Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science (Faculty of Science)

Dr. Flannigan uses machine learning approaches to better model and predict wildfire activity to inform the development of a wildfire early warning system and improve fire management planning and operations.

Dr. Jill Harvey

Dr. Jill Harvey

Canada Research Chair in Fire Ecology (Faculty of Science)

Dr. Harvey investigates wildfire and drought as processes driving ecosystem change to help inform forest and fire management practices and enhance resilience in Canada’s forests.

Research chairs and faculty from across TRU contribute to the breadth of expertise related to wildfire, including the recovery of disturbed ecosystems and human displacement following disasters.

Dr. Lauchlan Fraser

Dr. Lauchlan Fraser

NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation

Dr. Fraser is at the forefront of research that aids in the recovery of disturbed ecosystems. He has led reclamation research relating to soil amendments, biodiversity and climate change, with a particular focus on the Southern Interior of B.C.

Dr. Wendy Gardner

Dr. Wendy Gardner

Associate Professor, Natural Resource Science (Faculty of Science)

Dr. Gardner is an expert in range land management and ecology and the coordinator of the Master of Science in Environmental Science program at TRU. She is knowledgeable about post-wildfire plant community recovery.

Dr. Brian Heise

Dr. Brian Heise

Associate Professor, Natural Resource Science (Faculty of Science)

Dr. Heise studies the effects of land use practices and invasive species on freshwater invertebrates and fish. He is knowledgeable about the effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystems, especially rivers and streams.

Dr. Bala Nikku

Dr. Bala Nikku

Associate Professor. Social Work and Human Service (Faculty of Education and Social Work)

Dr. Nikku studies human interactions with wildfires and other climate disasters in Canada and Asia. His work mainly focuses on understanding peoples’ evacuation choices before, during, and post-disaster stages and how those choices intersect with disaster management policies and practices. Using these research insights, Dr. Nikku advocates for building resilient futures.

Dr. Thomas Pypker

Dr. Thomas Pypker

Associate Professor, Natural Resource Science (Faculty of Science)

Dr. Pypker studies the after-effects of wildfires, particularly as they impact land disturbance and water flows.

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