Climate change is the key factor in the increased frequency, intensity and severity of wildfires around the world. Here in Canada, we have also seen an increased number of wildfires. The 2023 wildfire season was record-breaking – over 230,000 people were evacuated because of potential dangers[1] and over 15 million hectares were burned by 6,623 wildfires. Public Safety Canada forecasts that the wildfire risk in Canada will remain high for much of the country. The areas most affected are northwestern Alberta, northeastern British Columbia, and southern Northwest Territories[2].
We often talk of the versatility of our products because outside of mining, we have seen them successfully used or trialled in agriculture, aviation, forestry and in communities. Our distributor, MS Environmental found yet another use for our DUST/BLOKR dust abatement product last year, after the wildfires in British Columbia. DUST/BLOKR was successfully deployed as part of the post-wildfire recovery plan, specifically to suppress dust and ash on burned sites before environmental remediation.
Post-Wildfire Recovery Dust Control
Cypher Environmental distributor, MS Environmental was part of the post-wildfire recovery efforts last year in the North Shuswap region of British Columbia. Most of the Bush Creek East wildfire’s destruction occurred during its 20-kilometre run through the North Shuswap region on August 18, 2023.
After the fires, plans for recovery, remediation and rebuilding began. The Shuswap Emergency Program‘s Remedial Action Plan required wildfire recovery dust control before the excavation of the contaminated soil on residential properties. Without an effective dust and ash control plan to prevent particulates from becoming airborne, the sites would not be safe to work on.
Because the area being cleared was already contaminated, an environmentally friendly solution was required. It was important that no further damage be inflicted on the impacted areas. Cypher Environmental’s DUST/BLOKR was selected due to its ability to trap and bind particulates as well as its non-toxic and non-corrosive nature.
Application of DUST/BLOKR Dust and Ash Suppressant
10,000 L of DUST/BLOKR was sprayed over approximately 30 sites, allowing all the contaminated soil and debris to be safety removed by the recovery crews.
Advantages of DUST/BLOKR®
DUST/BLOKR® is a groundbreaking alternative to traditional road salts that are harmful to the environment. DUST/BLOKR’s unique and proprietary formula offers superior dust abatement results and is 100% non-toxic and non-corrosive.
For more information:
[1] Natural Resources Canada Forest Fires
[2]Public Safety Canada Updated Forecast for 2024 Wildfire Season