RKS 2023 Film: “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire”: Caught in the “Forest Fire” Conundrum

I thought it a perfect time to watch the American documentary “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire” while Canadian forest fires rage in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta and Health Canada advises many Canadians to stay indoors, close windows and wear a N95 mask outdoors in face of a dangerous particulate smog. Yes I was going to watch all about forest fires not really understanding all catastrophic community damaging fires are not forest fires!

In this documentary we receive a historical lesson in American forest fire ideology and the effects of “settlement” on the Western United States. Indigenous populations in California and Oregon respected fire and had their own system of controlled burns to reinvigorate the landscape to promote new growth and attract wildlife. They were arrested as arsonists and some of them hanged by the colonizers.

The documentary starts with footage showing the power and fury of some of Oregon and California wildfires and the harrowing stories of those trying to escape it. That leaves a lasting impression. We hear from biologists, scientists, firefighters, ecologists, survivors and indigenous fire practitioners discussing wildfires and the validity of techniques used to control the fire. But can the fire ever be controlled? In fact it is more the embers than the fire that cause community destruction. Should we be thinking more of “ember management”?

The techniques of fuel reduction techniques to fight wildfires is discussed in detail. This consists of clearing and thinning and much doubt is expressed about this long-used technique of “fuel management”.

You will learn about private and public wildfire management and their efficacy. What role does climate change play in the spread of wildfire? Is a destroyed forest a destructive bomb or a boon? What role does a new forest play as opposed to an old growth forest in capturing carbon? What do indigenous populations in the Western United States have to teach firefighters from other countries such as Canada or Spain?

The potential solution to community destruction from wildfire might seem elementary but it may have taken so many years to begin to recognize that wildfires and their community destruction can be managed in other ways than attacking the fire with manpower and equipment. It is clear by the raging power of wildfires propelled by high wind little can be done by mounting an offensive against the fire. In massive wildfires the fireman is not going to do much. The time is ripe for creative reimagining of how to manage community destruction perhaps more than managing the fire itself?

You can see a trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4qAgoeOTZs

“Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire” is directed by Trip Jennings. It will be released in North America on 13June, 2023 on TVOD/Digital and TVD’s.

RKS 2023 Film Rating 89/100.