British Columbia’s 2023 wildfire season, one of the most intense in recent memory, has sparked renewed scrutiny over the province’s use of planned ignition techniques to control fast-moving wildfires. While these controlled burns are a common wildfire suppression tactic, recent findings have highlighted the need for more robust planning, coordination, and worker protection during their execution.
Why This Matters in 2025
Although the incident occurred in August 2023, new inspection reports released in May 2025 by British Columbia’s worker protection agency have brought the event back into the public eye. These reports provide detailed findings about how the operation was carried out, identifying shortcomings in planning and safety measures that could have led to serious injuries or fatalities. The timing of the release makes this a current issue, especially as wildfire season ramps up again in the province.
The agency’s conclusions have relevance beyond the specific event, raising broader concerns about how planned ignition is implemented across British Columbia and how firefighters are protected in extreme conditions. As wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe, the effectiveness and safety of suppression strategies remain a critical public concern.
Purpose and Risks of Planned Ignition
Planned ignition, also known as a controlled burn or intentional fire, is designed to remove vegetation and other fuels in the path of an oncoming wildfire. By burning this material ahead of time, wildfire response teams hope to reduce the fire’s intensity and improve the chances of protecting nearby communities and infrastructure.
However, the practice carries significant risks, especially when conditions change rapidly or when planning and execution fall short. These risks became particularly evident during a major fire event in the Shuswap region in August 2023. A large-scale planned ignition intended to act as a firebreak ultimately led to serious safety concerns for the crews involved.
Firefighters Trapped by Escalating Conditions
During the burn, extreme fire behavior reportedly overwhelmed the designated escape routes, trapping multiple firefighters, including a group of international crew members. They were forced to shelter overnight in a safety zone while flames, smoke, and falling trees surrounded them. With no visibility and communication issues, the crew remained in place until they were rescued the next day by another team who had to cut a path through the fire zone.
Other crews in the area encountered similarly dangerous conditions. In some cases, they had to drive around burning debris piles, with at least one truck nearly rolling over due to unstable terrain. Several vehicles sustained damage, and the incident prompted questions about whether proper risk assessments and safety protocols were followed.
Workplace Safety Investigation Findings
In the months following the incident, British Columbia’s worker safety regulator conducted an inspection and concluded that the execution of the planned ignition operation had not adequately protected personnel. The agency’s findings pointed to deficiencies in planning, communication, and crew preparation. According to the report, firefighters were not properly briefed, and verbal instructions replaced a formal ground-level planning session. Additionally, the agency noted that no certified ignition specialist was present on-site, despite the complex nature of the operation.
One of the key takeaways from the investigation was that some workers did not exercise their right to refuse unsafe work—an indication that more education and support may be needed in high-risk emergency environments. The employer has since complied with orders to review and update safety protocols for future ignition operations.
Balancing Suppression Strategy With Safety
The wildfire service has defended its decision to conduct the burn, stating that it helped protect communities by reducing the fire’s intensity in some areas. However, residents and some firefighters have questioned whether the burn should have gone ahead given the forecast for high winds and extreme conditions. In some cases, the operation may have unintentionally contributed to fire spread rather than containment.
In response to ongoing public concern, British Columbia’s wildfire agency has committed to revising its procedures around planned ignition. The agency says it has taken steps to improve worker training, on-site supervision, and coordination between aerial and ground resources. These changes aim to prevent similar incidents during future fire seasons, particularly as climate change contributes to more volatile fire behavior.
Moving Forward with Caution
While planned ignition remains a valuable tool in wildfire suppression, its use must be weighed carefully against the potential hazards to ground crews. Stronger oversight, better communication, and clearer contingency planning will be critical to ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. As wildfires become more intense and unpredictable, the systems supporting planned ignitions must evolve to meet new challenges.
The events of 2023 serve as a sobering reminder that while controlled burns can be lifesaving, they must be executed with precision and caution. Ensuring the safety of firefighters—both local and international—must remain a top priority as British Columbia continues to adapt its wildfire response strategies.