WATCH: MLA Gavin Dew says preventing wildfires — not stifling industry — key to reducing emissions

Every summer, wildfires wreak havoc across British Columbia.

From the Fraser Canyon to the Okanagan and everywhere in between, out-of-control blazes have dire consequences — for both the population and the environment.

This week, as fires rage across the southern half of the province, Sitka Media Managing Editor Jarryd Jäger sat down with MLA and BC Conservative Economic Development Critic Gavin Dew to learn more about the economic impacts.

They discussed the water shortage in the Okanagan and how the current fires have exacerbated farmers' problems, the effect on tourism, and what role government plays in assisting those hit hardest by the inferno.

Dew also argued that if BC wants to get serious about reducing emissions, government ought to take a more proactive approach to preventing wildfires instead of stifling industry.

Watch the full conversation below!