Canadian Wildfire NSERC Strategic Network

Wildfires are becoming larger, more frequent, more intense, starting earlier and continuing later into the season. The carbon released into the atmosphere fuels climate change which further increases temperatures that amplify the risks of wildfires and their widespread health and economic impacts on Canadians. Investment in wildland fire science research was also declining prior to 2019 resulting in fewer wildfire education options and fewer trained fire experts.

This collaborative research network intends to address these issues by increasing wildfire knowledge and training new wildfire experts. AU hydrology is currently working to integrate knowledge of SMHCO peatland characteristics into the wildfire risk assessment toolbox in partnership with Dr Mike Waddington's research team at McMaster University.

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Broadening wildfire knowledge and research capacity will ultimately help Canadians better prepare for future wildfires.