The Thompson Rivers University senate has endorsed plans for a new wildfire research centre in Kamloops, that will focus on the mitigation and adaptation to the effects of future wildfire seasons.

In a news release, TRU says the establishment of the Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency is a “significant step forward” towards positioning the Kamloops-based university as “an international leader in transdisciplinary collaborative wildfire science and education.”

“The Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency is desperately needed to help address the challenges of current and future fire seasons in BC and beyond through research and innovation,” said TRU wildfire expert, Mike Flannigan, who will head this institute.

Plans for the wildfire institute – which will spearhead studies and innovations aimed at preventing, mitigating, responding to and recovering from wildfires – will now go before the TRU Board of Governors at a future meeting.

TRU says it will focus on developing new knowledge while respecting and learning from Indigenous land stewardship and management practices.

It also aims to “provide essential tools” for future decisions to reduce adverse outcomes for communities, including the impacts of smoke, evacuations, as well as the loss of natural and built infrastructure.

“The wildfire institute represents our dedication to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time,” President Brett Fairbain said. “Through this institute, we will advance innovative solutions that will not only benefit our local community, but will have a broader impact on all Canadians.”

Joining Flannigan on the initial research team is Jill Harvey, a Canada Research Chair in fire ecology, and Lauchlan Fraser, an industrial research chair in ecosystem reclamation.

“Our goal with the wildfire institute is to generate research that directly impacts the lives of British Columbians and Canadians, enhancing our collective ability to adapt to the ever-increasing threats posed by wildfires,” added TRU Vice-President of Research Shannon Wagner.

“We are committed to fostering collaboration and forging new alliances to bring cutting-edge knowledge into the field.”