‘High-Risk’ Regions Remain in Canada’s Wildfire Battle, Says Minister

Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said 2023 is Canada’s worst wildfire season on record, and while rainfall will bring relief for Quebec in the next few weeks, associated lightning storms could raise the risk of new fires.

“Thunderstorms can increase the risk of fire activity due to lightning strikes, and warmer temperatures are also beginning to build at this point right across the country throughout the summer,” Mr. Blair said during a press conference on July 6.

Mr. Blair said there are currently 648 wildfires burning in Canada, with 339 characterized as “out of control.” He cited 3,415 total wildfires recorded in 2023, with some 8.8 million hectares of land burned.

According to the National Forestry Database, over 8,000 fires occur each year, which burn an average of over 2.1 million hectares.

According to Mr. Blair, a significant portion of Canada, including British Columbia, the prairie provinces, and western Labrador, will be at high risk for wildfires in the coming months. He said the threat will decrease in some areas in August, especially in eastern Canada, areas of western Canada, and northern Ontario, while western Quebec will still be at risk.

Mr. Blair said that while the weather forecast indicated the next few months would be “quite challenging” he saw reason for optimism in Quebec.

“The weather forecast for the next two weeks actually appears to provide significant relief to most areas of Quebec. I would characterize the current situation in Quebec as being very challenging, but well-managed by the Quebec authorities, with the support that they have received both internationally and from the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said.

The minister said the 2023 wildfire season had taken a “tremendous toll” on many communities. Some of the fires had destroyed communities and led to over 4,500 people being evacuated, while millions of Canadians have suffered due to poor air quality.

“While there was serious fire risk in several parts of the country, I want to assure Canadians that there are sufficient resources to respond and to keep Canadians safe,” Mr. Blair said.