First Nations Wildfire Evacuations: A Guide for Communities and External Agencies

Wildfires pose a greater threat than ever before—and the threat is particularly acute for under-resourced communities. Drawing on interviews with more than two hundred evacuees from recent fires, First Nations Wildfire Evacuations provides invaluable guidance on how indigenous communities and external agencies can best prepare for evacuation. Tara McGee and Amy Christianson outline how to plan for a number of contingencies—including when to stage a partial or full evacuation, how to troubleshoot transportation problems, best practices for proactive communication with the community, and specific suggestions for planning meals and activities while away. Complete with checklists and discussion questions, this guide is an indispensable resource for any region at risk of fire.
 

Tara K. McGee is a professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta.