Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Action Against Alaska’s Zombie Wildfires

Zombie wildfires, a term gaining traction in recent years, are reigniting old concerns about persistent and destructive fires in Alaska. These blazes smolder beneath the surface during winter only to re-emerge once conditions warm, posing unique challenges to fire management.

This issue underscores a need for innovative solutions that acknowledge both environmental science and the time-honored practices of Indigenous communities.

The Phenomenon of Zombie Wildfires

Zombie wildfires, also known as overwintering fires, are a growing concern in Alaska’s boreal forests. These fires have the unique ability to persist through the harsh winter months, smoldering beneath the snow and ice. When spring arrives and temperatures rise, these fires can reignite, often catching communities and fire management teams off guard. This phenomenon is not just a quirk of nature but a symptom of broader environmental changes.

The persistence of these fires is closely linked to the changing climate. Warmer temperatures and longer fire seasons create conditions that allow fires to burn deeper into the organic soil layers. These layers, rich in carbon, can smolder for months, insulated by the snow above. When the snow melts, the fires can re-emerge, sometimes far from their original locations. This makes them particularly difficult to predict and control, posing a significant challenge for fire management strategies.

The impact of zombie wildfires extends beyond immediate fire damage. They contribute to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. This creates a feedback loop where warming temperatures lead to more fires, which in turn release more carbon, further accelerating global warming. The thawing of permafrost, another consequence of rising temperatures, adds to the problem by making more organic material available to burn.

Climate Change and Permafrost Thaw

Alaska’s permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen ground that underlies much of the state, plays a significant role in the region’s ecological balance. As global temperatures rise, this once-stable foundation is beginning to thaw, with far-reaching consequences. The thawing permafrost not only destabilizes infrastructure but also releases previously trapped greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, further driving climate change. This cyclical process creates a feedback loop that complicates efforts to manage environmental impacts.

The thawing of permafrost also influences the hydrology of the region. Melting ice within the soil leads to an increase in groundwater and surface water, altering the landscape and potentially increasing the risk of landslides and erosion. This affects local ecosystems, impacting plant and animal species that have adapted to the cold, stable environment. For instance, changes in water flow can disrupt fish habitats, while shifts in vegetation can affect the food sources of herbivores. These changes cascade through the food web, affecting predators and, ultimately, human communities that rely on these ecosystems for sustenance and cultural practices.

Additionally, as the permafrost thaws, it exposes more organic material to decomposition. This process releases even more carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. The increased availability of organic material also fuels wildfires, creating a more flammable landscape. In turn, this accelerates the frequency and intensity of zombie wildfires, making them a persistent threat. These fires not only devastate local flora and fauna but also pose risks to human health and safety through smoke inhalation and the destruction of property.

Indigenous Knowledge in Fire Management

Indigenous communities have long held a deep understanding of their natural surroundings, developed over generations through direct interaction with the land. This knowledge is not just historical but is actively practiced and adapted to contemporary challenges. In Alaska, Indigenous fire management techniques are deeply intertwined with cultural practices and ecological stewardship, offering a unique perspective on managing wildfires sustainably.

Central to Indigenous fire management is the concept of controlled or prescribed burning. Unlike the catastrophic wildfires that grab headlines, these small, controlled burns are carefully planned and executed to reduce fuel loads, promote new growth, and maintain ecological balance. Indigenous fire experts, often referred to as firekeepers, use their intimate knowledge of local plant species, weather patterns, and seasonal cycles to determine the optimal timing and conditions for these burns. This practice not only minimizes the risk of larger, uncontrolled fires but also supports biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Another important aspect is the collaborative nature of Indigenous fire management. Knowledge is shared within and between communities, fostering a collective approach to environmental stewardship. This communal knowledge system contrasts with the often fragmented and siloed methods of modern fire management agencies. By integrating Indigenous practices with contemporary scientific methods, a more holistic and effective fire management strategy can be developed. This collaboration is already bearing fruit in some regions, where Indigenous firekeepers work alongside government agencies to implement fire management plans that respect both traditional wisdom and modern science.

Traditional Ecological Practices

Traditional ecological practices encompass a diverse range of activities that Indigenous communities have honed over millennia. These practices are rooted in a deep respect for the land and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. They are not static but evolve in response to environmental changes, ensuring sustainability and resilience.

One such practice is the meticulous management of plant species for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Indigenous communities often cultivate a variety of plants in specific patterns that enhance soil fertility and biodiversity. This approach, known as polyculture, contrasts sharply with the monoculture systems prevalent in modern agriculture. By growing multiple crops together, Indigenous farmers can naturally repel pests, reduce soil erosion, and improve crop yields without relying on chemical inputs. This method not only preserves the health of the land but also supports a diverse array of wildlife that thrives in these multifaceted ecosystems.

Water management is another cornerstone of traditional ecological practices. Indigenous techniques often involve the creation of intricate irrigation systems that mimic natural water flow patterns. These systems ensure that water is distributed evenly across the landscape, preventing both drought and flooding. They also support the regeneration of wetlands, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and storing carbon. By observing natural indicators such as plant growth stages and animal behaviors, Indigenous communities can fine-tune their water management strategies to align with seasonal variations and long-term climatic shifts.

Collaborative Fire Management

Collaborative fire management embodies the integration of multiple knowledge systems to address the complexities of wildfire control. This approach brings together Indigenous knowledge and contemporary scientific techniques, forming a robust framework for managing the increasing threat of wildfires. By creating partnerships between Indigenous communities, government agencies, and academic institutions, a more comprehensive understanding of fire dynamics can be achieved.

One example of such collaboration is the establishment of joint fire management teams. These teams consist of Indigenous firekeepers, ecologists, and fire behavior analysts who work together to develop and implement fire management plans. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern fire modeling software, these teams can predict fire behavior more accurately and design effective mitigation strategies. Such collaborations are already showing promise in regions like the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, where integrated fire management plans have led to a decrease in the frequency and severity of wildfires.

Furthermore, collaborative fire management extends to community engagement and education. Indigenous communities often play a vital role in educating the broader public about wildfire risks and the benefits of controlled burns. Workshops, community meetings, and educational programs help to disseminate this knowledge, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. By involving local communities in fire management efforts, these initiatives not only enhance the effectiveness of fire prevention strategies but also strengthen community resilience and cohesion.

Policy Advocacy and Indigenous Leadership

Policy advocacy is a crucial component in the broader strategy to integrate Indigenous knowledge into fire management. Indigenous leadership in this area is essential for ensuring that traditional practices are recognized and respected within legal and regulatory frameworks. By advocating for policy changes at local, state, and national levels, Indigenous leaders can influence the adoption of more holistic fire management strategies.

One significant avenue of advocacy is through the establishment of Indigenous advisory councils. These councils work alongside government bodies to provide input on fire management policies, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. For instance, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium has been instrumental in advocating for policies that incorporate traditional ecological practices into state fire management plans. Their efforts have led to increased funding for community-led fire management initiatives and support for the training of Indigenous firekeepers.

Additionally, Indigenous leadership is vital in the realm of international climate policy. Indigenous representatives often participate in global forums such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where they advocate for the inclusion of traditional knowledge in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By sharing their experiences and expertise on a global stage, Indigenous leaders can influence international policies that impact not only their communities but also the broader global effort to combat climate change.