Protesters say logging operations raise wildfire risk

Protesters trying to stop old-growth logging near Port Renfrew are criticizing forestry operations in the Bugaboo area near Fairy Creek, saying they could spark a fire.

The Rainforest Flying Squad said satellite images show that since July 9, several hundred metres have been felled to provide road access for clearcut logging.

The group is questioning why logging and road building have not been halted to reduce the risk of wildfires, saying heavy equipment can emit sparks.

Surrey-based forestry company Teal-Jones, however, said it has curtailed its activities given the current “high” fire danger rating — “extreme” is the highest rating under the B.C. Wildfire Service fire-riskevaluation system. It said work begins early in the morning, crews are out of the woods by early afternoon, fire watches are underway and water, firefighting equipment and trained staff are on hand.

“If the fire rating escalates we will take further measures consistent with the regulations, potentially including curtailing all our activities in the forest,” the company said in a Monday statement.

It said the timber it cuts in Tree Farm Licence 46 is vital to sustaining Teal-Jones’ operations and hundreds of jobs in the province.

“We will mill every log cut right here in B.C., making wood products we all rely on every day.”

Summer logging shutdowns are common in B.C. when fire danger rises in the woods.

Early in June, Premier John Horgan announced B.C. had approved the request of three First Nations — Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht — to defer logging of old-growth trees for two years in Fairy Creek near Port Renfrew and in the central Walbran area.

The company is leaving slash piles that are tinder dry, Carole Tootill, a member of the Rainforest Flying Squad, said in a statement.

Protesters are remaining in the area even through the Pacheedaht First Nation called on them in late June to leave Fairy Creek and other forested areas because of the increased risk of wildfires.

It said it was concerned that human-caused wildfires could threaten their community, businesses and natural resources, including old-growth forests in the Fairy Creek area.

Rainforest Flying Squad members said they are remaining in the area to protect ancient forests.

“We’ve consulted with the fire marshal and are acting on those recommendations with firemitigation policies, as well as fire-response plans,” said member Kathleen Code. “We aren’t here to protect these rainforests, only to see them succumb to a wildfire.

Safety practices in camps include around-the-clock firewatch patrols, no outdoor smoking and no campfires, she said.

Protesters set up a blockade at the Bugaboo worksite on July 14, the group said.