Canada faces a “difficult” wildfire season

Western Canada and certain northern regions of the country are expected to face a “difficult” wildfire situation over the summer, Canadian authorities predicted on Thursday.

As of June 13, 225 wildfires were burning across Canada, including 121 that were out of control. Government authorities stated that recent rainfall in some parts of western Canada could temporarily reduce the occurrence of new fire outbreaks, but would not be sufficient to extinguish the current fires.

As of July 3, in Manitoba alone, more than 132 fires had been dealt with, and 17 were still active.

Wildfires in Canada: a high-risk summer

Long-term weather trends are forecasting a particularly hot and dry summer in western and northern Canada. According to authorities, these extreme conditions significantly increase the risk of intense and persistent wildfires across several provinces.

Already, more than 30,000 people have been forced to evacuate, mainly in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where a state of emergency has been declared. Many of these evacuations involve isolated Indigenous communities, sometimes accessible only by air. The Canadian Armed Forces have had to intervene to transport residents to safety.

Smoke from these fires has traveled thousands of kilometers, affecting air quality as far as Newfoundland in the north, Florida in the south, and even Europe, demonstrating the scale of the crisis. Tragically, two people have already lost their lives in Manitoba, an alarming warning for what is expected to be a long season. It should also be noted that wildfire season in Canada generally runs from March to October.

As Canada Day approaches, the Government of Manitoba is urging residents to celebrate with wildfire prevention in mind.

In its latest wildfire update, the provincial wildfire service indicates that there is a high fire risk across the southern half of Manitoba, as well as in the northeastern region.

It notes that although most provincial parks have reopened in time for Canada Day outdoor activities, several closures remain in effect. This includes parts of Nopiming Provincial Park, which is still being devastated by an uncontrolled wildfire currently burning across 226,160 hectares.

Permits are also required for fireworks, the province reminds, which is particularly relevant at this time of year.

“Fireworks are prohibited in provincial parks, and a permit is required to use them within the authorized burn zone. For areas outside this zone, please contact local municipalities directly to learn about permit requirements,” the province stated.

Since May 1, the government says its conservation officers have issued 96 charges and 32 warnings related to wildfires.