Western Canada is grappling with the season's first major wildfires, forcing evacuations and raising air quality concerns across several provinces.
The fires, spanning roughly 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres), have prompted immediate action from authorities.
British Columbia Evacuations and Blazing Growth
Thousands of residents in British Columbia's Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations have been evacuated as a nearby wildfire rapidly grew to over 4,136 hectares. The fire nearly doubled in size within a short period, displacing most of the 3,500 residents in and around Fort Nelson, according to Mayor Rob Fraser.
Alberta on Alert: Residents Prepare for Potential Evacuation
While a late shower helped moderate fire growth near Fort McMurray, Alberta, residents remain on high alert. The oil hub, heavily impacted by wildfires in 2016, has issued evacuation preparations for its residents. Authorities are closely monitoring two "extreme and out-of-control" wildfires in the province, with one located near Fort McMurray. Favorable weather conditions are expected to limit fire activity in the coming days.
Air Quality Concerns and Smoke Travel
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement encompassing British Columbia all the way to Ontario,highlighting widespread smoke concerns. Smoke currently affecting Fort McMurray is attributed to wildfires in northern British Columbia.
Concerns Mount Over Potential "Catastrophic" Season
The Canadian government has issued warnings about a potentially "catastrophic" wildfire season due to forecasted above-average spring and summer temperatures, fueled by El Nino weather patterns. This follows one of Canada's warmest winters, with minimal snowfall in many areas, creating dry conditions that could exacerbate wildfires.
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Source: Reuters
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