Making Ehthlateese More Wildfire Resilient
This fall, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government will continue work to help protect Ehthlateese from wildfire.
Ehthlateese is surrounded by forest, and its remote location can make emergency response and evacuation more difficult during a wildfire. Reducing the amount of material that can fuel a fire around the village is one way UTG is working to lower that risk and create safer conditions for wildfire response.
The next phase of fuel management work is expected to take place from October 20 to November 25, 2026, in forested areas around the village.
What will the work look like?
The goal is not to clear the forest.
Instead, experienced contractors will reduce some of the smaller trees, branches, sticks, and other material that can help a wildfire grow and spread.
Large conifer trees will remain, along with deciduous trees and shrubs, including salal and berry bushes. Wildlife trees will also remain where it is safe to do so, and large logs will be left on the forest floor to provide habitat and help the soil hold moisture.
Smaller conifer trees will be removed, and branches on larger conifers will be pruned up to two metres from the ground. Small woody material will also be removed. Damaged or unsafe trees may be taken down to keep the area safe for workers and for people entering the area after the work is complete.
Fine and medium-sized woody material will be piled and burned on site as part of the treatment work.
Why does this matter?
Wildfires need fuel to grow. That fuel can include trees and branches, dry grasses, shrubs, and other flammable material.
Wildfires can also spread through sparks and burning embers carried ahead of a fire. These embers can travel up to two kilometers and start new fires when they land on something that can burn.
Reducing available fuel around the village can help lower wildfire risk and create a safer space for wildfire response crews if they are needed.
Building on years of wildfire planning
This project is part of a much longer effort to make Ehthlateese more resilient to wildfire.
UTG completed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan in 2013 and a Community Wildfire Resilience Plan in 2021. Since then, work has included FireSmart assessments of village homes and important infrastructure, FireSmart upgrades to the village six-plex, and vegetation management around village homes, infrastructure, and Thunderbird Lodge.
This next phase of fuel management was recommended through the 2021 Community Wildfire Resilience Plan. A detailed Fuel Management Prescription was then developed in 2025 to guide what work should be completed and how it should be carried out.
Where will the work happen?
The work will take place in specific forested areas around Ehthlateese identified through the project planning process.
Fully funded through grants
The project is 100% grant-funded through the Union of BC Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment FireSmart Funding and Supports program.
Spectrum Resource Management Ltd. will carry out the treatment work, with Ecosphere Forestry Consulting Ltd. monitoring the project.
Learn More About the Project
Want to take a closer look?
The Ehthlateese Village Operational Fuel Treatment Project 2026–2027 Information Package includes the project map, details about the work, information about wildfire risk, and examples showing what treated areas may look like before and after the work.
Questions?
If you have questions about the project, please contact Moses Towell, Resource and Development Manager & Emergency Program Coordinator:
Phone: 250-724-1832
