Canadian wildfires are primed to make some (really bad) history again this year.
Driving the news: Thousands of residents in communities across Alberta, B.C., and Manitoba have been ordered to evacuate as another vicious wildfire season kicks into high gear. As of writing, 130 fires — 38 of which are out of control — have burned 362,100 hectares of land.
- The fires have also disrupted communications for some of Canada’s northernmost communities, after damaging a critical fibre optic cable near Fort Nelson, B.C.
Why it matters: Last year was the worst on record for wildfires in Canada, with a total of 18.5 million hectares burned. Compared to this same time last year, Canada is behind this tally. However, if dry conditions persist, 2024 could take that infamous title from 2023.
- While the fires have been caused by rather innocuous things like lightning strikes and trees falling on powerlines, they have gained strength due to widespread droughts.
What’s next: All eyes are on Fort McMurray, Alberta, the site of the most expensive wildfire in Canadian history in 2016 that disrupted Canada’s oil industry. Luckily, a repeat likely won’t happen due to favourable winds and, ironically, the fact the 2016 fire didn’t leave this current one much left to burn.—QH