The wildfire season in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, with forecasts projecting that the intensity will continue throughout July and into August. The severity of the wildfires has broken historical records in terms of the amount of land burned, affecting communities that are not accustomed to dealing with such fires and smoke. High temperatures, dry conditions, and historical comparisons have contributed to the ongoing risk of forest fires.
The impacts have been significant, threatening critical infrastructure, forcing evacuations, and exposing people to prolonged smoke exposure, which poses health risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing health concerns. The intensity of the fires has stretched Canada's firefighting capacity, leading to the deployment of thousands of international firefighters to assist.
Canada has already surpassed the historic record for total area burned by wildfires in a single season, with the number of fires more than doubling since June. As of July 5, approximately 88,000 square kilometers of land have burned, exceeding the average amount burned by that date over the past decade. The scale of evacuations this year has also been significant, surpassing levels seen in the past four decades.
While earlier in the season, human activity was primarily believed to be the cause of the fires, since June, nearly three in four fires have been confirmed to be started by lightning. The Minister of Emergency Preparedness attributes the longer and more intense fire seasons in Canada to climate change.
The risks extend beyond communities threatened by nearby fires, as the smoke can travel long distances and settle over areas for days. Health concerns arise due to poor air quality caused by the smoke, particularly for individuals with heart and lung conditions. Health Canada recommends staying indoors in well-ventilated areas during periods of poor air quality and using respirator masks for those who must spend time outside.
The financial costs associated with this wildfire season are expected to be considerable, given the record-breaking conditions. The long-term impacts on communities and the environment are of concern, as these intense fire seasons become more common. The government emphasises the importance of awareness, preparedness, and taking necessary steps to mitigate risks in the face of these challenging conditions.
Over 1,800 foreign firefighters from 10 countries, including Australia, Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, the United States, France, Chile, and South Africa, have been deployed to assist in extinguishing the forest fires in Canada. The Canadian Armed Forces are also involved in the efforts. Overall, around 5,000 personnel are engaged in firefighting operations.
Comments (0)