One Health Approach Utilizing Mycelium to Prevent Wildfires in Southeast Ontario

Abstract

The prevalence and intensity of wildfires have increased dramatically in Ontario, Canada since 2022. This has been exacerbated by climate change, clearcut logging, and poorly extinguished campfires. While previous interventions have targeted the downstream effects of wildfires such as deforestation, there have been no interventions that utilize a One Health approach to equally consider the health of humans, non-human animals, and the environment. This paper proposes a novel and cost-effective initiative utilizing cultivated mycelium from degraded slash piles, harvested and transformed into an organic fire-retardant spray for application on nearby trees. The proposed initiative aims to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from at-risk trees in Lyndhurst, Ontario to protect the lives of humans and non-human animals as well as the integrity of properties and wildlife habitats, simultaneously contributing to the restoration of forest health as a crucial carbon sink. This may mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality, acting as a protective measure for human, non-human animal, and environmental health.