Could Vancouver Burn Like LA? A Reflection on Fire, Greed, and Our City’s Future

 It’s a question I’ve heard whispered and now boldly voiced in headlines: Could Vancouver face catastrophic fires like Los Angeles? The answer is simple yet terrifying—yes, easily. This fear has lingered in my mind for years, unspoken but persistent, and recent events have only amplified it.

Wildfires are no stranger to BC. I know this firsthand. I moved from Nelson because a fire came dangerously close, and my mom faced serious air quality issues during her time in Kelowna. The summers in Vancouver often bring the same choking air. The skies turn grey, the sun a hazy orange, and breathing becomes a struggle. I get headaches and sinus issues when the smoke rolls in, and for many, it’s much worse.

Even within the city, we’ve seen fires threaten our parks and communities. Stanley Park, with its lush greenery, is a prime example of a space at risk. Beyond the trees, many vulnerable people live in the parks—those with nowhere else to go. In the event of a major fire, what happens to them? Where do they go when they’ve already been left behind?

And then there’s the architecture of our city. Vancouver is known for its stunning, historic wooden buildings, many of which are homes and businesses that embody the city’s rich character. These buildings are beautiful, but they are also highly flammable. Meanwhile, we see more and more steel, cement, and glass towers rising, marketed as symbols of modern progress. But are they truly safer?

The truth is, no structure is indestructible. Fires can gut steel buildings, earthquakes can bring down towers, and flooding can render even the most sophisticated infrastructure unlivable. What concerns me most is the underlying greed that seems to guide these developments. If a catastrophic fire swept through Vancouver, would it pave the way for developers to come in and build more towers? Would it be another excuse to displace those who can’t afford to stay?

As the risks grow, we need to ask tough questions:

Are we doing enough to prevent fires in urban forests and protect vulnerable communities?

How can we ensure that rebuilding efforts prioritize affordable housing and sustainability over profit?

Are we prepared for the cascading effects of climate change—fires, floods, and earthquakes—that threaten our city’s future?

We can’t let fear paralyze us, but we also can’t ignore it. It’s time to demand accountability from developers and governments. We need real solutions to make Vancouver a city that’s safe, inclusive, and resilient—not just for the wealthy, but for everyone who calls this place home.

What are your thoughts? How can we protect our city and its people from the threats we face? Share your ideas in the comments below. Let’s start the conversation.