More than 1,000 fires were active in Canada on July 23, and almost half were concentrated in British Columbia. The record for the area burned in this western coastal province – just over 13,500 square kilometers in 2018 – has been broken. 14,700 square kilometers were already charred on July 22 as the number of fires increased rapidly in the past few days.
The current largest construction, which is also the largest the province has ever seen, currently covers more than 5,800 square kilometers, almost half of the Île-de-France. Although these are isolated areas, some fires, such as that on the Saint-Marys River, have forced the population to evacuate. And in the indigenous Kootenay community north of Cranbrook, homes have been destroyed.
The Canadian Army, requested by British Columbia as reinforcements, arrived by helicopter and plane. Firefighters from abroad also came to join the ranks, including 100 Brazilians who landed on Friday, July 21. Earlier this week, Federal Environment Secretary Steven Guilbeault called for better preparation for next year’s fire season by recruiting more firefighters. The scale of the task is immense and each week reminds us of the danger they face. On July 13, a firefighter died after being pinned under a tree while fighting the blaze. Two other firefighters have died since the start of the season.
A severe drought
For Yan Boulanger, a researcher at Canada’s Department of Natural Resources and a forest specialist, the epicenter of the Canadian fire is now in British Columbia. “In Quebec, fires are less frequent and close to homes, so we talk about them more. But while fires are common in the West, this time of year is exceptionally difficult for British Columbia. He notes that there is a higher level of anticipation on the Pacific side than in Quebec. Many cities in the west are ‘Firesmart’ certified, meaning they have taken steps to reduce the risk of fire, particularly by removing fuel and wood from around homes.
But despite better preparation, the researcher expects critical weeks for this province. “Drought continues in the west. They haven’t stopped for British Columbia since last year. When lightning comes into play, it’s deadly. According to the Center for River Forecasting, nearly one in six watersheds in the province is experiencing drought level five, the highest in the classification system.
What long-term effects could this have on nature? “Vegetation regeneration will take place, but given the severity of the drought, the fire is also burning deeper, with more lasting consequences for vegetation cover,” explains Yan Boulanger. For the next few weeks, the authorities expect an increase in fires in the south of the province. Although Yan Boulanger admits that this summer is “full of surprises”, he does not hide his pessimism for the coming days. “In British Columbia, fire season is primarily July and August. We’re not out of the woods yet.” Québécois version of the French expression “We’re not from the inn”.