Canada is at risk of another catastrophic wildfire season this year, with widespread drought conditions and hotter temperatures expected. After experiencing its worst-ever wildfire season last year, the Canadian government announced that the country may be facing another devastating fire season. Minister for emergency preparedness Harjit Sajjan expressed concern over the temperature trends, stating that the wildfire season may begin sooner, end later, and potentially be more explosive. Alberta and British Columbia are expected to face extreme drought conditions, while other provinces will experience abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions.
The warmest winter on record in Canada, with temperatures 5.2 degrees Celsius higher than the historical average between December and February, further adds to the concern for a severe wildfire season. Eastern Ontario and southern Quebec are expected to see early, above-normal fire activity in April and May. Sajjan emphasized that while it is impossible to predict the upcoming summer, wildfires will be a significant challenge for Canada as the impacts of climate change continue to intensify. Last year, 18 million hectares burned across Canada, an area more than six times larger than the annual average.
In 2021, more than 6,551 total fires burned across Canada, resulting in the worst-ever wildfire season for the country. Eight firefighters lost their lives, and 230,000 people were evacuated from their homes. The wildfires also had consequences for neighboring countries, with smoke from the fires spreading towards the eastern United States. New York and other northern states were enveloped in a sepia haze, leading to air quality advisories and warnings of unhealthy and very unhealthy air. The National Weather Service advised people to limit outdoor activities, particularly those with respiratory issues. At one point, New York City was briefly the most polluted city in the world due to the smoke.
With the forecast of another potentially catastrophic wildfire season looming, Canada is bracing itself for the challenges ahead. The government is monitoring weather trends closely, particularly drought conditions and temperatures, to prepare for the wildfire season. The impact of climate change is evident in the record-breaking temperatures and increasing frequency of severe wildfires. As Canada faces the threat of devastating fires once again, it is essential for authorities and communities to be prepared and take necessary precautions to minimize the impact on lives and the environment.
