British Columbia (Rural Roots Canada) – The B.C. government has rescinded the temporary protection order (TPO) for the Salmon River watershed, as farmers and ranchers deal with the ongoing risk of wildfires in the region.

The TPO was put in place to protect Chinook salmon during drought conditions, but with wildfires ravaging parts of the province and the threat looming in several regions, Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, decided to take action.

“I have heard clearly from farmers and ranchers about the significant effects these restrictions are having at a time that they are also dealing with wildfire risk. Because of this, I’ve made the decision to rescind the order, effective immediately,” said Neill.

The BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) welcomes the move, saying the province made the right call.

“The wildfire threat is extreme and unpredictable,” said BCCA President Alex Kulchar. “Ranchers and forage producers are able to reduce any imminent wildfire threat by creating greenspace and a natural fire break,” explains Kulchar.

Related: Senate report warns wildfires pose growing threat to Canadian agriculture

In a release, the BCCA says it sees a role for livestock to be a low-tech tool to reduce wildfire risk along the edges of communities through targeted grazing. Grazed areas establish a natural firebreak that can lower fire intensity and make it safer for firefighters to combat the fires and save homes and property.

In the meantime, the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has created a wildfire resources page that includes the latest updates and links to provincial resources.

“As wildfire activity continues to affect communities across British Columbia, our thoughts are with everyone impacted—especially the farmers, ranchers, families, and first responders working to protect their homes, livestock, and livelihoods,” said the BCAC in a social media post.