Spark up a Conversation with Us:
How Wildfire Season Impacts Mental and Physical Health
Alexandra Ferraro & Amie Spiers
4th Year BSN, University of Victoria in
Partnership with Selkirk College
We would like to acknowledge our field guide Laura Nessman and our instructor Shannon Shah for their guidance and support.

Introduction/Background

Literature Review Summary

•Wildfires are increasingly destroying more area in the
Central Kootenays each year.
•Ecological grief is a common response to the loss of
the environment.
•Wildfires and environmental loss impacts mental and
physical health in many ways.
•As the Central Kootenays continue to be impacted by
wildfires and climate change, Selkirk College wishes
to learn how to better support staff and students.

•Physical/mental health is negatively impacted by fire
season.
•Climate change and global warming is increasing
wildfires.
•Loss of land affecting mental health.
•Correlations between mental and physical health
impacts.
•Increased risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and
substance use after being a part of a wildfire disaster.

Issues
•The Kootenays have experienced an increase in
wildfires and climate change recently.
•Climate anxiety and ecological grief are growing
mental health concerns.
•Negative physical health impacts that arise during
wildfire season are felt by many.
• A lack of resources available to deal with physical
and mental health issues.

Objectives
Smoke in
Alberta From
BC fires:
Carilyn Briscoe
(2020)

•Identify current support limitations.
•Research the impact wildfires and climate change
have on mental and physical health.
•Organize a virtual Dinner Basket conversation with
staff and students at Selkirk College to learn personal
impacts of wildfires.
•Utilize current research and literature to present
suggestions to improve current supports.

Woodbury creek fire: Katelyn Hurley (2020)

Moyie Lake :
Amie Spiers
(2017)

Recommendations
•Ensure counselor awareness of ecological grief.
•Increase of mental health supports offered.
•Group meetings and seminars that provide mental
health tips and to discuss ecological grief and climate
change.
•Ensure students have access to counseling services.
•Utilize telehealth and online at home resources to
maintain/improve physical health.

Woodbury valley: Dave McCormick (2020)

*All photos used with permission