Wildfires have been burning across Canada since the beginning of October, with many more expected to start in the coming weeks.
Wildfires have been burning across Canada since the beginning of October, with many more expected to start in the coming weeks. With a fire season that started earlier than usual this year, and an unusually warm autumn in some parts of the country, there are fears that things could get worse before they get better. Here’s why wildfires are currently burning across Canada.
Why are there wildfires in Canada?
Although it’s not uncommon for wildfires to occur during autumn and winter months in Canada, especially given its location next to a huge body of water which is prone to cooler temperatures, this year has seen a particularly high number of fires reported already. The current fire season started early this year after an abnormally warm summer. In August 2019 alone, British Columbia saw over 1,000 fires break out – more than double what they would usually see at that time of year.
This is partly due to a lack of precipitation over the summer months. In 2019, British Columbia only saw 75mm (2.95 inches) worth of rain – compared with their average rainfall for July and August which is between 125mm (4.92 inches) and 155mm (6 inches). The drier conditions allowed for much faster spread of forest fires and led to many more occurring.
Why does Canada have so many wildfires?
The majority of forest fires occur due to human error – whether it be someone accidentally starting one or not taking sufficient precautions when doing so.
- According to Canadian news site CBC News, as well as human error contributing towards forest fires happening during dry periods, climate change is also playing a part by causing temperatures across the country to rise quicker than they otherwise would do naturally.
- CBC News also reported, “Climate change has increased fire activity by drying out forests and making them more susceptible to ignition while providing longer periods without precipitation”.
- According to CBC News, “Fire suppression efforts can make forests less resilient by preventing natural burns that clear out dead woody debris”.
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