Presentation short abstract

This presentation examines how different levels of government and communities collaborate to reduce wildfire risks in high-latitude areas. It uses a social contract lens and a case study from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.

Presentation long abstract

The increasing wildfire risk in high-latitude areas has its own complexities due to fuel conditions, low humidity, remoteness and limited resources. With increasing wildfire impacts on communities, people expect governments to recognise community needs and provide assistance for wildfire risk reduction. Communities are also encouraged to become involved in wildfire risk reduction and to take individual responsibility for wildfire preparation. However, disparities may arise between governments and communities regarding their roles, responsibilities and expectations for wildfire risk reduction.

This paper uses social contract theory and argues that wildfire creates a political opportunity to challenge existing power distributions between levels of government and communities. We explored how communities have been involved in developing wildfire strategies. We used Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, as a case study, based on the experience of the 2023 wildfire evacuation. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews across levels of government, NGO representatives and other key community informants to understand how they work together to prepare for future wildfire risks. Drawing on social contract theory, we uncovered ongoing development and tensions between governments and communities in wildfire risk management. Finally, we summarised findings into four themes specific to the high-latitude context: governance structures, resource allocation, community-based support and long-term risk planning.