Wildfires

2023 was the most destructive wildfire season ever recorded in Canada. The Office of the Chief Scientist for the Government of Canada reports that more than 6 132 fires burned 16.5 million hectares of land (an area larger than Greece).  According to GFASv1.2 data they emitted almost 480 Megatons of carbon into the Earth's atmosphere. While Weslemkoon was not in the path of any fires, we were certainly affected by the long range smoke and poor air quality. 

What should we do?

Reduce emissions

A study into the 2023 wildfires in Quebec conducted by World Weather Attribution (WWA)  found that climate change made the extreme intensity of the fire season at least two times more likely than under preindustrial climate. Extreme weather, record high temperatures and dry conditions caused by climate change are considered to have intenisified the fires. 

According to the Government of Canada "Climate change during the 21st century is expected to result in more frequent fires in many boreal forests, with severe environmental and economic consequences.

From global climate models and scenarios, researchers are interpreting how climate change and climate variability may alter patterns of lightning, fuel moisture, temperature, precipitation and vegetation—all factors that can affect fire occurrence.

Fire-prone conditions are predicted to increase across Canada. This could potentially result in a doubling of the amount of area burned by the end of this century, compared with amounts burned in recent decades. Boreal forests, which have been greatly influenced by fire through history, will likely be especially affected by this change."

One thing that we as citizens can do to combat climate change, and therefore wildfire risk is to reduce the use of fossil fuels, both in our own lives, and in the extended community, province and country as a whole. The faster we get to net zero the better. 

Stay Informed 

There are many great resources available online that you can use to stay up to date on the status of current fires:

NRC Canadian Wildland Fire Information System

National Wildland Fire Situation Report

Government of Ontario Forest Fire Page

Addington Highlands Emergency Services Information

Please also ensure that your mobile phone is capable of receiving the latest Alerts from the Emergency Alert System. 

Prepare 

Get Prepared - this webpage contains great advice from the Government of Canada on everything from how to prepare before a wildfire to what to do when you return from an evacuation. 

Be FireSmart - FireSmart is a national program dedicated to helping Canadians understand and prepare for wildfires. They have developed practical, effective, and science-based programs that provide you with tools to be better prepared when wildfire occurs. We encourage you to begin your FireSmart journey by visitng their website and:

• Installing the FireSmart begins at home Ap - it will guide you through a home assessment
• Utilizing FireSmart Construction principles - Refer to the FireSmart Begins at Home - Home Development Guide before underataking any renovation or building projects.
• Considering FireSmart principles in your yard and when landscaping
• Checking out all their other Homeowner Resources
• Taking the free, one hour, online FireSmart 101 course
• Follow FireSmart on Instagram and Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn for more advice