US EditionInvasive grasses may be turning British Columbia's burn scars into the next wildfire
Researchers warn cheatgrass creates fast-burning fuel pathways in B.C.'s southern Interior, increasing wildfire spread and risk, urging provincial prevention measures.
- A study in Fire Ecology this month found invasive grasses like cheatgrass are colonizing post-wildfire burn scars in B.C.'s southern Interior and could fuel massive future fires.
- Because native plants recovered slowly in the burn area, post-fire gaps left bare ground for invasive grasses two years after the 46,000-hectare McKay Creek wildfire near Lillooet in 2021.
- Grenz said, 'And so, it creates highways of fuel that connect unburned areas to unburned areas and can run right down into our communities,' and noted grasses dry early, causing fires to spread at 'highway speed' in Hawaii 2023 wildfires.
- Grenz urged the province to fund invasive-grass crews and a dedicated department, noting B.C. provided about $2.8 million last spring but more action is needed.
- Grenz warned that invasive grasses could contribute to future wildfires similar to Lahaina, Hawaii, emphasizing the role of Indigenous land stewardship, she said.
29 Articles
29 Articles
The Toronto Star
Invasive grasses may pose deadly risk post-wildfire, UBC researcher says
VANCOUVER - A University of British Columbia researcher says invasive grasses are creeping into burnt landscapes years after wildfires and could fuel massive future fires that put people's lives at
Invasive grasses may be turning British Columbia's burn scars into the next wildfire
After a wildfire, the flames may fade, but the danger does not. A new study by UBC researchers reveals that burned landscapes remain vulnerable for years, with large areas still bare and at risk of invasion by fast-growing, fire-prone grasses. The research, one of the largest vegetation trajectory studies in the world, monitored landscapes two years after major wildfires in interior British Columbia (BC). While some native plants returned, recov…
University of British Columbia - Invasive grasses may be turning B.C.'s burn scars into the next wildfire
After a wildfire, the flames may fade, but the danger does not. A new study by UBC researchers reveals that burned landscapes remain vulnerable for years, with large areas still bare and at risk of in. . .
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