First Nations Wildfire Evacuations

Book excerpt: Based on interviews with over two hundred wildfire evacuees from seven First Nations, this book provides invaluable guidance on how Indigenous communities and external agencies can best prepare for the different stages of a wildfire evacuation. Packed with stories, checklists, and guiding questions, it outlines what to expect and how to plan. Topics include: assessing the risk to the health and safety of community members determining when to do a partial versus a full evacuation knowing who to contact for help troubleshooting transportation issues communicating with community members before and after the evacuation arranging appropriate accommodation caring for Elders and other more vulnerable community members organizing food and activities while away. With climate change raising the danger of wildfires around the world, the experiences of the communities featured in this book will serve as an indispensable resource for any town at risk from fire.