Nearly one-third of wildfire evacuations in Canada involve Indigenous communities. While evacuations are carried out to protect people from smoke and flames, deciding to leave brings its own challenges.

Based on interviews with evacuees from seven First Nations, this book outlines how Indigenous communities and external organizations can best prepare for the different stages of a wildfire evacuation, including:

• deciding when to leave
• putting a plan in motion
• troubleshooting transportation
• finding accommodation
• caring for evacuees
• returning home.

With climate change increasing the likelihood of wildfires around the world, this book is an invaluable resource for any community at risk from fire.

Tara K. McGee's profile page

Amy Cardinal Christianson's profile page

First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership's profile page

Tara K. McGee is a professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. Her work focuses on the human dimensions of wildfire – including wildfire mitigation and preparedness by homeowners and governments – as well as on how people respond to wildfires, including evacuation decision-making, evacuations, and recovery. Amy Cardinal Christianson is a Métis woman from Treaty 8 territory, currently living in Treaty 6, and a research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada. Her research explores Indigenous fire stewardship, Indigenous wildland firefighters, wildfire evacuations, and Indigenous research methodology. Amy also co-hosts the Good Fire podcast, which looks at Indigenous fire use around the world. The First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership is made up of representatives from seven First Nations, as well as researchers and agencies involved in providing support during wildfire evacuations. Its aim is to learn about how First Nation peoples and communities have been affected by evacuations and to make recommendations for how to reduce their negative impacts.

First Nations Wildfire Evacuations: A Guide for Communities and External Agencies is a critical step-by-step guide for all parties affected.

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