Wildfires are regular occurrence in Canada but the rage in the year 2023 have been one of the worst in the country history. From March 2023 and increasing in intensity around June has affected all Canadian provinces and territories excluding Nunavut and Prince Edward Island.
According to report, between March 1 and June 5, 2023, 2,214 fires had burned 38,000 square kilometres (9,390,000 acres), out of the country’s total 9.985 million square kilometres, making 2023 the worst wildfire season in Canada’s modern history.
“That distinction had previously belonged to the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire”
Devastation from Canada wildfire has affected millions of people in North America including the United States.
As reported by the Washington Post, “leading authorities from New York to Minnesota to issue public health alerts and urge people to stay indoors and wear masks to protect themselves from potentially toxic fine particles in the air”
Causes of Wildfire
Typically, wildfire can be linked to human activities or lightning. Fire is more likely when the ground is dry and the air is hot, which is why wildfire season typically lasts throughout the summer season. Climate change as stated earlier also contributes by causing more intense high-pressure zones, which bring prolonged periods of sunny, hot conditions and exacerbate drought.
