Last year, Canada experienced an unprecedented number of wildfires. These events have left us more wary of wildfire risk. Invasive species are often ‘missed out’ in fire-mitigation discussions. Let’s dive into the impact of invasive species on wildfire risk.
We already know that left unchecked, invasive species spread through native plant communities, creating dense monocultures. Without correct management, many invasive species spread quickly. Unfortunately, some of these invasive monocultures create additional fuel for fires.
Scotch Broom is one example of a highly flammable, fast-spreading invasive species. Scotch Broom creates large dense bushes, most commonly in disturbed sites. If you are familiar with the southern end of the Sea to Sky region, you have likely spotted this species growing along roadsides.
Scotch Broom is one example of a highly flammable fast spreading invasive species.
Scotch Broom has a high oil content in its sap, which in combination with the density of dry plant matter act as kindling. Scotch Broom contributes to increasing the fire’s temperature, which makes the trees more likely to catch fire.
Scotch Broom is abundant in certain portions of the Sea to Sky regions, but has not yet infested all potential habitats.
- For ISMA 1, the goal is to contain the spread of Scotch Broom to the south of the region (i.e., Squamish and south).
- Additionally, we aim to prevent its spread into vulnerable or significant ecosystems in the south of the region.
- For ISMAs 2 and 3 (i.e., in Whistler, Pemberton and beyond), we aim to completely eradicate Scotch Broom.
Spotted Knapweed is another invasive species found in the Sea to Sky region which increases fire load.
Spotted Knapweed is another invasive species found in the Sea to Sky region which increases fire load. Spotted Knapweed quickly forms dense monocultures in open areas such as grasslands, roadsides or clear cuts. Much like Scotch Broom, the sheer volume of dry plant matter can significantly increase the fire load.
- In Squamish and Whistler, SSISC aims to contain the spread of Spotted Knapweed. It has yet to invade all potential habitats, so the aim is to prevent further spread.
- In Pemberton and the rest of ISMA 3, Spotted Knapweed has spread more thoroughly. Therefore, we aim to prevent the plant’s spread into vulnerable or significant ecosystems.
If you spot Scotch Broom or Spotted Knapweed in the Sea to Sky, be sure to report the sighting.
We’d like to take this moment to thank our fantastic field team for their hard work.
We’d like to take this moment to thank our fantastic field team for their hard work. They are actively preventing the spread of flammable (and non-flammable) invasive species in the Sea to Sky region. Their efforts are not only protecting the native species within this beautiful region, but they are also protecting us, the residents of the Sea to Sky.
We cannot pretend to experts on the subject of fire mitigation in relation to invasive species. However, we hope this article has given a brief overview on the subject. If you are interested in learning more please visit the links below.
Local FireSmart pages
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