Furious Flames: The Canada Wildfires

Fast Facts

There are currently 460 forest fires in Canada (as of June 26, 2023).
More than 17 million acres of land have been burned by the fires so far this year (as of June 27, 2023).
This year has been the most detrimental documented wildfire season Canada has ever experienced.
10,000s of people have been forced to evacuate due to the fires since May.

Air Abnormalities

As wildfires rage through the forests of Canada, the smoke is covering areas far from the original location of the fires. In particular, northern states in the US are exhibiting drastic falls in air quality as the smoke pollutes the air and diminishes maximum visibility to just within a few miles. Residents of many northeastern states including New York and Vermont are witnessing earth-shatteringly poor levels of air quality, especially proven by the notorious orange haze prevalent throughout the skies. While the smoke penetrates most northeastern states, it has even moved into the Midwest, affecting Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois, just to name a few states.

Hundreds of the fires in Canada are relentlessly ravaging millions of acres and destroying air quality. Near the beginning of June, many northeastern US cities reported AQIs near 500 (for example, New York City exhibited an AQI of 484), while the average AQI in the US in 2022 was 37. As the smoke from the wildfires throughout Quebec and other eastern Canadian provinces is affecting much of the eastern half of the US, smoke from the Alberta fires is similarly permeating states like Colorado and Arizona. The smoke has resulted in the emission of roughly 160 megatons of carbon so far this year, breaking any of Canada’s prior records. Unlike historical wildfires in Canada in the past twenty years, this year’s series is creating a massive spike in pollution. Such outcomes may have prolonged effects on climate change and air conditions globally.

The smoke from the Canadian wildfires reached the western portion of Europe as of June 26, 2023. The smoke is likely to linger at high altitudes rather than descending to lower parts of the atmosphere. As a result, the air quality situation in Europe may not become as dire as it did throughout North America.

Climate Causes

Although the upswing in wildfires in Canada this year has not been directly proven to be caused by climate change yet, it is clear that global warming creates conditions that expedite the process of fire formation. One of the key requirements for wildfires is a hot and dry environment. As worldwide temperatures rise, numerous countries are becoming more susceptible to increasingly frequent and intense wildfires. In addition, due to global warming, lightning is present more often (particularly during summer months), posing greater chances of forests being swiftly struck aflame.

Additionally, given that the conditions ideal for forest fires are likely to sustain throughout the next few months, it is improbable that the Canadian wildfires will cease in the near future. The temperature of Canada is changing twice as quickly as the average change in temperature around the globe, potentially due to human activity that exacerbates environmental conditions. As Canada experiences greater temperatures and droughts, both of which are bolstered by climate change, the wildfire situation is anticipated to become more perilous.

Staying Safe

Considering that climate change is increasing the likelihood of sudden forest fires, it is crucial to stay safe in preparation for, during, and after a wildfire. There are various resources in which more detail and safety measures are available, including the CDC and TIME. The following strategies are recommendations from the CDC.

Avoid going outside: Since the prevalence of wildfires visibly deteriorates air quality and visibility, it is safe to stay indoors unless absolutely vital. In addition, while in one’s home, identifying an area that is isolated from any outdoor activity would prevent exposure to smoke and other air pollutants.
Supplies: Having masks that can filter the air of harmful pollutants can be immensely beneficial. Wearing a mask can be paramount if one goes outside to avoid inhaling smoke that could cause health damage.
Know recent updates Given that wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent, knowing of recent fires in the area, air quality crises, or safety recommendations from officials can allow one to be informed of how to stay safe. This can also ease the process of evacuation if necessary to ensure safety.
Wearing full coverage attire: Forest fires tend to produce an abundance of ash, which can aggravate conditions relating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Thus, wearing attire, including goggles and masks, that reduce the amount of skin exposed can help one avoid such complications.

Works Cited

CDC. “After a Wildfire.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 May 2023, www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/afterfire.html. Accessed 29 June 2023.

---. “Before a Wildfire.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 June 2023, www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/beforefire.html. Accessed 29 June 2023.

---. “Safety During a Wildfire.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 June 2023, www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/duringfire.html. Accessed 29 June 2023.

---. “Wildfires.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 Feb. 2022, www.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/index.html. Accessed 29 June 2023.

Hughes, Rebecca Ann. “Smoke From Canada’s Wildfires Has Reached Europe. Will It Affect Air Quality?” Euronews, 28 June 2023, www.euronews.com/green/2023/06/27/smoke-from-canadas-wildfires-has-reached-europe-will-it-affect-air-quality. Accessed 29 June 2023.

IQAir. “USA Air Quality Index (AQI) and Air Pollution Information | IQAir.” IQAir, 29 June 2023, www.iqair.com/us/usa. Accessed 29 June 2023.

Jacobo, Julia. “Canada Breaks Record for Annual Wildfire Smoke Emissions.” ABC News, 27 June 2023, abcnews.go.com/International/canada-breaks-record-annual-wildfire-smoke-emissions-copernicus/story?id=100410414. Accessed 29 June 2023.

Kaminski, Isabella. “Did Climate Change Cause Canada’s Wildfires?” BBC, 12 June 2023, www.bbc.com/future/article/20230612-did-climate-change-cause-canadas-wildfires. Accessed 29 June 2023.

Noor, Dharna. “Canada’s Wildfires Are Part of Our New Climate Reality, Experts and Officials Say.” The Guardian, 7 June 2023, www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/07/canadas-wildfires-new-climate-reality-experts-officials-say. Accessed 29 June 2023.

Speck, Emilee. “Canada Wildfire Smoke Pours Into Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, Causing Poor Air Quality.” New York Post, 26 June 2023, nypost.com/2023/06/26/canada-wildfire-smoke-pours-into-upper-midwest-and-great-lakes-causing-poor-air-quality. Accessed 29 June 2023.

Weiss, Haley. “How to Stay Safe From Wildfire Smoke.” Time, 28 June 2023, time.com/6285629/wildfire-smoke-safety-health. Accessed 29 June 2023.