Canada continues to battle 'out of control' wildfire blazes

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Jul 2023 10:15

Emergency services battled 677 active fires on Friday, including 386 that are burning out of control.

Smoke billows from the Donnie Creek wildfire burning north of Forth St. John, BC, Canada, July 2, 2023 (AP)

Canada's wildfires are increasing at an alarming rate, with data recording on Friday more than 670 blazes nationwide -- of which 380 are out of control, AFP reports.

"The numbers are literally off the charts, with at least three more months left in the active wildfire season," said Michael Norton of the Canadian Ministry of Natural Resources.

Weather forecasts show that the coming weeks are predicting above-average temperatures in several parts across the country, in particular Quebec -- the most affected region.

According to figures, about nine million hectares (22.2 million acres) have been destroyed by fires, surpassing the record set in 1989.

Emergency services battled 677 active fires on Friday, including 386 that are burning out of control.

Since the beginning of May, some 155,000 people have been forced to evacuate residential areas.

"It's no understatement to say that the 2023 fire season is and will continue to be record-breaking in a number of ways," Norton said, adding that he expected the number of fires to remain above average throughout the summer.

"From evacuations to poor air quality and extreme heat warnings, we are experiencing the reality of climate change effects," Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said.

Due to the scale of the disaster, authorities have had to resort to international assistance to support the 3,800 Canadian firefighters battling the fires.

Over 3,000 international firefighters traveled to Canada for assistance efforts, including from countries such as New Zealand, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, and South Korea.

The smoke has affected more than 100 million people as it continues to spread throughout the country, including to some parts of the US, causing flights and outdoor events to be canceled or delayed.