An independent documentary on the causes and consequences of British Columbia’s escalating wildfire crisis will premiere in Kelowna and Vernon this month.
The 45-minute film, B.C. is Burning, was put together through community funding and will attempt to investigate what’s fuelling today’s mega-fires and look into the science-based solutions that could protect the province's forests, communities, and future.
Produced and written by retired forester Murray Wilson, the film was initiated by associate producer Rick Maddison, who played a key role in fundraising through Homestead Foods which contributed half of the total budget for the project.
Directed and edited with production support from Kelowna’s Ryan Tebbutt of Edge Digital Media, the film combines expert interviews, government data, and footage from both B.C. and California.
Featuring forest professionals, wildfire officials, and researchers, B.C. is Burning reveals the growing urgency—and the real solutions—to managing fire in an age of climate change, said Wilson.
“We know how to stop this,” explained Wilson. “B.C. can lead, if we stop solely reacting and start managing our forests to protect lives, cut emissions, and reduce wildfire risk.”
According to Wilson, the film will attempt to explain the following:
- The critical role of fuel buildup—and why it is making wildfires more destructive
- How proactive forest management can cut carbon emissions, protect communities, and restore forest health
- Lessons from California’s wildfire strategy and how they apply to B.C.
- Solutions that are already working—and how they can be scaled up across B.C
The Kelowna screening will take place Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at the Mary Irwin Theatre.
Tickets available at: https://www.theboxoffice.ca/upcoming-events/bc-burning
The Vernon screening will take place Thursday, June 26, at 7 p.m. at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
Tickets available at: https://www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/event/bc-is-burning
Following both screenings, there will be a live Q&A with the filmmaker and featured guests.
