AXEMAN Blog

If you have been following our coverage of the Brunswick Complex near Boston Bar, you already know how quickly this season has escalated. The Brunswick Creek fire has grown to roughly 36 square kilometers, the Ainslie Creek fire across the river is approaching 166 square kilometers, and the Boston Bar townsite itself was placed under an evacuation order as crews shifted to structure protection. At least seven buildings have been lost so far, including four homes and cabins.

We have been following the Brunswick Complex fires near Boston Bar closely, and this week felt like the right time to bring two things together: where the fire situation stands right now, and a full, practical walkthrough of the gear and the plan every rural or fire-prone household should have ready. This one runs long on purpose. Preparedness is not a single purchase, it is a kit and a plan working together, so we wanted to cover both properly in one place.

There's an old saying that firewood warms you twice: once when you split it, and once when you burn it. Here in Canada, we'd add a third: it warms you with peace of mind, knowing your woodshed is full long before the first frost.

If you've spent any time around a landing, a saw shop, or a fireline in Western Canada or the Pacific Northwest, you've seen them. A row of wedges tucked into a faller's back pouch, each one topped with that unmistakable red head. For over sixty years, K&H "Red Head" wedges have been one of those quiet constants in the woods, the kind of tool that doesn't need a marketing campaign because the people who use them every day keep buying them.

We have written a few times this year about the wildfire outlook across Canada, from the early spring signs of an active season to our mid-June defensible space guide. Now that we are into July, the season has moved from "elevated risk" to "actively burning" in several parts of the country. It felt like the right time for an update, and a reminder of what you can do to protect your home, cabin, or acreage while there is still time to prepare.

As of mid-June 2026, British Columbia and much of western Canada are facing elevated wildfire risk. Current drought conditions combined with forecasts for above-normal summer temperatures are contributing to the potential for vigorous fire activity, particularly in the Central and Southern Interior and South Coast regions.

As of June 2026, El Niño conditions are active in the equatorial Pacific and are forecast to strengthen through the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026-27. Climate Prediction Center outlooks show a high likelihood of El Niño persisting, with a notable chance of a very strong event during the peak winter months.

There is something calming about a good survival book. Not the panic-buying kind, but the slow, steady sort that teaches you how to do real things with your own two hands. That is exactly what Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills delivers, and it has earned a permanent spot on our shelf here at AXEMAN.ca.

With wildfire activity already showing early signs across parts of Western Canada this spring, now is the time to take action on your property. Creating defensible space is one of the most effective steps homeowners and landowners can take to reduce risk. It also happens to be work that is made significantly easier and safer when you have the right tools.

Axes are powerful tools that can teach responsibility, focus, and practical skills. However, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Teaching children how to use an axe safely is not just about technique — it’s about building respect for the tool and developing good habits from the start.

With another active wildfire season underway across parts of Western Canada, many property owners are asking what they can actually do to reduce their risk. One of the most effective steps is creating and maintaining defensible space around your home and buildings.

As someone who has worked on the fireline for years, I’ve seen how properties with good fuel management perform during wildfires compared to those that haven’t been prepared. The work doesn’t require expensive equipment, but it does benefit greatly from having the right tools and a clear plan.