Rick Giles
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richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Rick Giles
@richard-j-giles.bsky.social
320 followers 510 following 470 posts
Location: Okanagan, BC, Canada. | Background: Former Firefighter - structural and wildland, Film Industry Survivor, Entrepreneur. | Interests: Climate Change, Wildfire, Emergency Management.

Note: Opinions are my own, informed by science and experience.
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richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Rick Giles @richard-j-giles.bsky.social · Jan 20
That's right. Wildfire, particularly wildfire entering the urban interface isn't rocket science - it's far more complicated than that.

If you're reading this article in British Columbia please don't wait for the world to decarbonize the economy.

Take some steps today. Visit firesmartbc.ca
FireSmart BC
Wildfire is a risk that all British Columbians need to be prepared for. Whether you’re a homeowner or a community leader, FireSmart BC is your go-to source when preparing for wildfire season.
firesmartbc.ca
Reposted by Rick Giles
rachelgilmore.bsky.social
Trudeau-era environment minister Steven Guilbeault has published a resignation letter detailing the reasons for his departure from Carney's cabinet.

He directly cites today's MOU:
Statement by Steven Guilbeault This afternoon, it is with great sadness that I submitted my resignation to the Prime Minister as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, Minister of Nature and Parks Canada, as well as his Lieutenant in Quebec. As you know, I chose to enter politics to champion the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment. Over the past ten years, our country has made historic progress in reducing climate pollution, protecting nature and the environment, while our economy continued to grow. I believe I have contributed to these advancements, and I remain deeply proud of the achievements I have helped bring forward: • Standing up to tech giants and major polluters • Implementing Canada's first emissions reduction plan, slowing their growth and placing them on a downward trajectory • Establishing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation • Modernizing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act • Developing the country's first national climate adaptation strategy to protect our communities • Eliminating harmful single-use plastics • Implementing the most ambitious nature conservation plan in the country's history • Continuing the modernization of the Official Languages Act • Making historic investments in arts and culture, including during the COVID-19 crisis and in the most recent budget Changes in our relationship with the United States have led to profound disruptions affecting the global order, diplomatic relations, and the economy. I understand and share the Prime Minister's efforts to ensure our country First, there was no consultation with the Indigenous nations of the West Coast of British Columbia or with the provincial government, who would be greatly affected by this agreement. Furthermore, a pipeline to the West Coast would have major environmental impacts, particularly as it could cross the Great Bear Rainforest, contribute to a significant increase in climate pollution, and move Canada further away from its greenhouse gas reduction targets. Lifting the tanker ban on the West Coast would also significantly increase the risk of accidents in the region. This moratorium was established in 1972 following a unanimous vote in the House of Commons, notably because navigation in the Hecate Strait is highly dangerous. Its removal would also hinder the creation of a marine conservation area in the Great Bear Sea, a project our government has been actively developing with Indigenous partners and the government of British Columbia for several years, protecting more than 100,000 km of this ecologically sensitive region. We cannot hope to decarbonize our economy without decarbonizing the electricity sector. The proposal to exempt Alberta from the Clean Electricity Regulations in exchange for stricter industrial carbon pricing rules and the Pathways project is, in my view, a serious mistake. As shown in the analysis submitted to the House of Commons, without this regulation, the electricity sector-which has halved its pollution over the past 20 years-would return to an upward emissions trajectory. This regulation also saves lives by reducing air pollution, generates over $3 billion in healthcare savings, and ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 182 million tonnes. Finally, over the past few months, several elements of the climate action plan I worked on as Minister of the Environment have been, or are about to be, dismantled: the consumer carbon pricing, the Zero Emission Vehicle standard, the oil and gas sector emissions cap, the framework to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, and the Clean Electricity Regulations. In my view, these measures remain essential to our climate action plan. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the citizens of Laurier-Sainte-Marie for the trust they have placed in me since 2019. I will continue to represent them as their Liberal Member of Parliament with dedication. I also thank the Prime Minister for the honor of serving in his cabinet and as his lieutenant in Quebec. When I entered politics, it was because I had a deep conviction that I could make a difference in fighting climate change and protecting our environment. My commitment to leaving a better world for the future of our children and our planet remains unchanged. Steven Guilbeault Member of Parliament for Laurier-Sainte-Marie
November 27, 2025 at 9:55 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
The symbolism is hard to ignore...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA0d...
Fire breaks out at COP30 pavilion prompting evacuation as climate talks drag
YouTube video by Global News
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:32 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Hey Kelowna. Maybe now you see the problem with electing a candidate that hides behind a party logo during the campaign?

See doesn't even sit for the party you thought you were electing. Instead you're represented by a flake.

www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna...
Kelowna-area MLA should be recalled, says Premier Eby - Kelowna News
Premier David Eby called for the recall of a Kelowna-area MLA and OneBC leader Dallas Brodie during a heated exchange in the BC Legislature on Thursday.
www.castanet.net
November 20, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Reposted by Rick Giles
drjeffmasters.bsky.social
Worth a try: A Jan. 1 law would charge a $50-100 “WUI fee for high risk homes, determined by a risk map provided by the state, and if homeowners don’t pay the fee, a lien could be placed on their property or home, which could result in forfeiture or sale of their property.”
Utah Declares War On Fuels In The Wildland Urban Interface, Conscipting Homeowners In The Fight.
Property liens could be issued for homes that don't comply.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:07 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
I know folks say it's wrong to stereotype, but we found a wallet today and as soon as I saw the kids picture I knew I had to call the Penticton Vees.

Turns out I was right. 😂
November 10, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Reposted by Rick Giles
bcwildfirewkly.bsky.social
“The province of B.C. has been fined more than $750,000 for two workplace health and safety violations during the 2023 wildfire season—one that resulted in the death of a 25-year-old firefighter from Ontario.” www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar... - @ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social

#BCPoli #BCWildfire
B.C. fined $759K for safety violations in fatal, near-fatal wildfire incidents
The province of B.C. has been fined more than $750,000 for two workplace health and safety violations during the 2023 wildfire season—one that resulted in the death of a 25-year-old firefighter from O...
www.ctvnews.ca
November 7, 2025 at 1:09 AM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Never ceases to amaze me...

Electronics components from China. Less than $7 bucks shipping and in Vancouver in 4 days. Vancouver to Penticton, ha ha ha, different story altogether, 5 days and I'm still waiting.
November 6, 2025 at 5:04 AM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
I'm going to be brutally honest.

Mark Carney's vision of Canada codifies privilege under the guise of national resilience. His budget theme seems to be "fortune favours the fortunate".
November 6, 2025 at 1:33 AM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
We're going to cut 4.4 billion dollars from the federal gov't budget by buying RCMP officers $6/gram pot, instead of $8/gram pot?

30,000 kilograms? 🤔 Wow. We buy 30 tons of pot a year? 😕

Is that benefit taxable?
November 6, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Reposted by Rick Giles
liamjdillon.com
We're living in the worst era of wildfire in California history. My colleagues and I found that an astounding 22,500 homes burned down in the five most destructive fires in the state from 2017 through 2020. Just 38% of them have been rebuilt. www.latimes.com/homeless-hou...
22,500 homes lost. Over five years later, only 38% rebuilt: What California fire survivors face
Just 38% of the 22,500 homes burned down in California's five most destructive wildfires from 2017 to 2020 have been rebuilt, The Times found.
www.latimes.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Reposted by Rick Giles
thetyee.ca
Where mountain bikers see a playground, wildfire experts see the makings of a disaster waiting to happen: a tangle of dead and dying Douglas firs; a forest floor littered with deadfall; west-facing slopes that dry out quickly. 🔥🌲
Trees Must Fall. A Provincial Park’s Wildfire Prescription | The Tyee
Plans to reduce fire risk in Dragon Mountain park have spurred concerns from mountain bikers and environmentalists.
thetyee.ca
September 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Hey look what I was given as a Birthday gift! While I’m not likely in the target audience, it’s great to see this resource circulating widely.

@amycardinal.bsky.social @firebobbc.bsky.social

Thanks to my friends at First Nations’ Emergency Services Society!
September 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Reposted by Rick Giles
bcwildfirewkly.bsky.social
“Peachland, B.C. – An Evacuation Order has been issued for 325 addresses for the Munro Lake Wildfire. Residents on evacuation order should leave their properties immediately.” www.cordemergency.ca/updates/evac... - Central Okanagan Emergency Operations

#BCWildfire #MunroLakeWildfire #Peachland
Evacuation Order and Alert for Munro Lake Wildfire | Central Okanagan Emergency Operations
Peachland, B.C. – An Evacuation Order has been issued for 325 addresses for the Munro Lake Wildfire. Residents on evacuation order should leave their properties immediately.
www.cordemergency.ca
September 26, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Reposted by Rick Giles
bcwildfirewkly.bsky.social
“An evacuation order has been issued for 325 addresses due to the Munro Lake Wildfire.

The evacuation area impacts the Princeton Avenue area.” www.castanet.net/news/Peachla... - @castanet.net

#BCWildfire #MunroLakeWildfire #Okanagan #Peachland cc: #Kelowna #WestKelowna
Evacuation orders issued due to wildfire near Peachland - Peachland News
A wildfire has erupted in the mountains west of Peachland.
www.castanet.net
September 26, 2025 at 1:20 AM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Quite visible at the moment from where I am..
September 25, 2025 at 9:31 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
The smallest Blue-tailed skink I have ever seen. #penticton
August 8, 2025 at 9:58 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Looking doubtful for a 6:00 pm launch of the snowbirds in Penticton.
August 7, 2025 at 12:53 AM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Indirect secondary fatalities and health complications are something we've been whispering about for decades. Great to see more work being done on this topic.

www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/new-s...
New studies tie unrecognized deaths and health problems to Maui and LA wildfires
NEW YORK (AP) — The toll of wildfires is usually counted in acres burnt, property destroyed and lives lost to smoke and flames. But three studies published Wednesday suggest the
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
August 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Reposted by Rick Giles
fkearns.bsky.social
“The way we torched the trees and immolated the landscape, which may not have burned at all without us — it almost felt like a show of force.”

This piece by @riverselby.bsky.social covers a huge amount of ground & is worth a read for anyone who has uncomplicated feelings about wildfire fighting.
August 2, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Reposted by Rick Giles
nytimes.com
A small brush fire and power outage in British Columbia started on Wednesday when an airborne fish struck power lines, according to fire officials.
A Fish Falls From the Sky and Sparks a Brush Fire in British Columbia
Officials say a flying osprey dropped its catch, which then struck power lines, causing sparks that ignited dry grass.
nyti.ms
August 2, 2025 at 6:25 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
RJ heading into Penticton for a reload
July 30, 2025 at 10:42 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
@kamscan.bsky.social

www.castanet.net/news/Pentict...

Was just listening to the IFR on this, sounds like it is well resourced and no community values at immediate risk. Heli-tanker, FD and IA resources already on it.
Fire in the hills above Naramata Bench - Penticton News
Smoke is rising from an apparent fire above the Naramata Bench Thursday afternoon.
www.castanet.net
July 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Reposted by Rick Giles
theguardian.com
Wildfire kills at least 10 forest workers and rescuers battling blaze in Turkey
Wildfire kills at least 10 forest workers and rescuers battling blaze in Turkey
High temperatures and strong winds fan fires between Istanbul and Ankara forcing evacuation of several villages A wildfire killed at least 10 forest workers and rescuers on Wednesday who were battling to douse the flames near Eskişehir in western Turkey, the authorities said. The agriculture minister, İbrahim Yumakli, said the fire killed five forest workers and five rescuers. Local lawmaker Nebi Hatipoğlu and news website BirGün had earlier said 11 had died. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 23, 2025 at 9:14 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
Now that I have a minute and some processor power, let's rewind the tape and take a look from above.
July 14, 2025 at 5:59 PM
richard-j-giles.bsky.social
This is going to leave a mark. #pyro-cb As seen from Penticton.
July 13, 2025 at 11:21 PM