Documentary film screening and live Q&A explore the roots of B.C.’s wildfire crisis and solutions for building resilient communities

As British Columbia continues to face increasingly severe wildfire seasons, residents of the East Kootenay are invited to take part in an important community conversation on forest management, resilience, and shared responsibility.

On February 12, VAST Resource Solutions Inc. and Regional District of East Kootenay will host Cranbrook’s premiere screening of ‘B.C. is Burning’ at Key City Theatre, followed by a live Q&A with the film’s producer, director, and writer, Murray Wilson.

B.C. is Burning is a powerful documentary that examines the roots of British Columbia’s escalating wildfire crisis and explores practical, science-informed solutions to reduce risk and protect communities. Drawing on several hundred years of forestry expertise and expert interviews from across British Columbia and California, the film shifts the conversation from crisis response to proactive forest stewardship and long-term resilience.

“After spending more than 40 years working in forestry management, I felt a responsibility to help share what we know—and what we can do better,” said Wilson. “This film is about moving beyond fear and frustration and focusing on solutions that can make our forests healthier and our communities safer.”

The screening is intended to spark thoughtful discussion and encourage community engagement around one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the province. A facilitated Q&A with Wilson will follow the film, offering attendees an opportunity to ask questions and explore how lessons from the documentary apply locally.

The B.C. is Burning documentary screening and discussion begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a community engagement hour, featuring opportunities to connect and explore booths offering education and resources related to wildfire resilience, environmental stewardship, and outdoor education.

General admission tickets are $15, with free tickets available for youth 18 and under. All attendees, including youth accessing free tickets, are encouraged to reserve a seat in advance. Adult tickets can be purchased online or in person at Key City Theatre.

Please call the box office at 250-426-7006 to reserve youth tickets.

“Wildfire resilience is not just a provincial issue—it’s a local one,” said Rob Gay, Electoral Area C Director for the Regional District of East Kootenay. “Events like this help bring people together to better understand the challenges we face, and the role communities can play in shaping more resilient landscapes.”

For VAST Resource Solutions, co-hosting the event aligns with its commitment to informed, community-driven approaches to environmental challenges.

“At VAST, we believe science-based conversations are essential to tackling complex environmental challenges,” said Dave Struthers, Principal at VAST Resource Solutions Inc. “B.C. is Burning brings forward practical insight and real-world experience that can help communities better understand wildfire risk and resilience. As a company that is based within and serves the Kootenays, we’re proud to help create space for learning, dialogue, and solutions that support both healthy ecosystems and strong communities.”

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