Fires In Canada: 'The Worst Could Be Ahead'

Wildfires are still burning in Canada and the hot, dry summer is likely to intensify them, the federal government warned on Thursday (June 15). 458 fires are still burning, 235 of which are out of control.

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The government in Ottawa expressed concern on Thursday. “The worst could be ahead of us”said Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault in a press conference.

1,500 firefighters are expected in Quebec over the next few days, including 300 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and firefighters from the United States, Portugal and France.

Also read: IN PICTURES, IN PICTURES. Fires are increasing again in western Canada

“The worst could be ahead of us”

Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray said 2023 was the worst wildfire season since the turn of the 21st century. At a press conference on Thursday, the federal ministers were rather pessimistic about the coming months.

According to forecasts by scientists from the federal agency Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada, the summer promises to be hot and dry. “so very conducive to more wildfires”said Minister Steven Guilbeault.

“The worst may not be behind us, but ahead of us”he added.

He also said that the current figures give cause for concern. “Over the past decade, wildfires have burned an average of 2.7 million hectares per year. We’re already at 5.7 [millions] and we have mid-June. »

A soldier from the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) watches a forest fire from a Canadian Forces helicopter surveying the area near Mistissini, Quebec, Canada, June 12, 2023. | CPL MARC-ANDRE LECLERC/CANADIAN FORCES/HANDOUT VIA Portal View full screen

evacuations

Several communities have had to be evacuated since the fires began. Recently, the Atikamekw Aboriginal community in Obedjiwan, Quebec, had to evacuate their residents.

Authorities have also recommended people wear N95 masks due to the poor air quality.

In total, more than 18,000 people have been displaced since the fires began, but many have been able to return to their homes.

Bad air quality

Advice on poor air quality has been hit in several provinces for several weeks. In British Columbia, the state weather agency Environment Canada said smoke from wildfires was having a significant impact on air quality.

The population is urged to take measures, such as staying at home and avoiding unnecessary trips, to reduce exposure to smoke, which is considered harmful to health.