High-Risk Regions Remain in Canada’s Wildfire Battle, Minister Says

Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said 2023 is Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, and while the rains will bring relief to Quebec in the coming weeks, the associated thunderstorms could increase the risk of new fires.

“Thunderstorms can increase the risk of fire activity from lightning strikes, and warmer temperatures are also starting to pick up at this point across the country throughout the summer,” Blair said at a press conference on July 6.

Mr Blair said there are currently 648 bushfires raging in Canada, 339 of which are characterized as “out of control”. He cited a total of 3,415 wildfires recorded in 2023, which burned about 8.8 million acres of land.

According to the National Forestry Databasemore than 8,000 fires occur each year, burning on average more than 2.1 million hectares.

According to Mr. Blair, a significant portion of Canada, including British Columbia, the prairie provinces and western Labrador, will be at high risk of wildfires in the coming months. He said the threat will ease in some areas in August, especially in eastern Canada, areas in western Canada and northern Ontario, while western Quebec remains at risk.

Mr Blair said that while weather forecasts indicated the coming months would be “quite challenging”, he saw cause for optimism in Quebec.

“The weather forecast for the next two weeks seems to be providing some real relief in most parts of Quebec. I would describe the current situation in Quebec as very challenging, but well managed by the Quebec authorities, with the support they have received internationally as well as from the federal government and the Canadian Forces,” he said.

The minister said the 2023 wildfire season had taken a “huge toll” on many communities. Some fires have devastated communities and caused more than 4,500 people to evacuate, while millions of Canadians have suffered from poor air quality.

“While there was a serious fire hazard in several parts of the country, I want to assure Canadians that there are adequate resources to respond and keep Canadians safe,” Blair said.