Evacuating First Nations during wildfires in Canada

Abstract

First Nation reserves in Canada are at high risk from wildfires, with many evacuated every year. There is a need to understand how First Nations are affected by wildfire evacuations to identify ways to reduce negative impacts. The First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership has conducted research to explore evacuation experiences of seven First Nations in three Canadian provinces. This paper presents findings from research across the seven First Nations. Results show that few participating First Nations had an up to date emergency plan tailored to their community, which contributed to challenges during the evacuation. Family separation, insufficient information, and worries about losing their house caused considerable distress for evacuees. Wildfire smoke health impacts occurred, particularly for those who had pre-existing health conditions. Social and financial support, if available, helped evacuees during and after their evacuation. Several years after First Nations return home after a wildfire evacuation, lingering distress continues and some First Nations were still experiencing fiscal challenges as a result of the evacuation. Recommendations for reducing negative impacts of wildfire evacuations on First Nations people are discussed.