Category: 2023 wildfires

Canada Has Seen Wildfires Like This Before, Says Fire Historian

Steve Pynes is a rarity—he’s the only historian he knows of that is dedicated specifically to the study of fires. And that gives him a unique perspective on Canada’s current wildfires. “Canada has had fires at both ends burning at the same time—the 1908 fires were just a kind of rolling thunder from Vancouver all…


Storms Forecast to Bring Rain, but Also a Risk of Winds, Lightning, as Wildfires Rage

Storms across the country could bring much-needed rain, but also the risk of powerful winds and lightning, as Canada experiences its worst wildfire season of the 21st century. Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair announced a grim milestone Monday, saying more than 47,000 square kilometres have burned so far this year, with 431 wildfires currently burning…


​​​​Softball and Wildfires

Commentary Both the sport of softball and the devastation of wildfires were prominent in the news last week. The University of Oklahoma Sooners won their third consecutive national title, finishing the season on an astonishing 53-game win streak and with a final record of 61–1. Meanwhile, farther north, air quality was so bad as a…


‘Worst Wildfire Season:’ Quebec Makes Progress as Wind Fuels Flames out West

Quebec was on the offensive in its battle against a record wildfire season as gusting winds fuelled growing blazes out West, and the federal government said it would provide free travel documents and visa extensions for people affected across the country. “This now qualifies, unfortunately, as Canada’s worstwildfire season of the 21st century,” Emergency Preparedness…


Winds Fan Northeast BC Wildfire, but Aid Crews Working to Save Tumbler Ridge

Gusty winds have kicked up the activity of a huge wildfire in northeastern British Columbia, forcing evacuation orders for another 14 remote properties outside Fort Nelson. The Peace River Regional District issued two evacuation orders Sunday as winds fanned the 4,660-square-kilometre Donnie Creek blaze. The BC Wildfire Service says more than 140 people are working…


Nova Scotia Firefighters Using Helicopters to Locate Shelburne Wildfire Hot Spots

Nova Scotia firefighters are using helicopters to scan the Shelburne County wildfire and locate hot spots. Officials with the province’s Department of Natural Resources will be flying over the fire this week in southwest Nova Scotia and using infrared scanners to detect areas where firefighters should be dispatched. The 235-square-kilometre Barrington Lake wildfire in Shelburne…


Quebec Makes Progress Against Record Wildfire Season as Blaze in BC Grows

Quebec is on the offensive in its battle against a record wildfire season as gusty winds fuel a huge blaze in northeastern British Columbia, forcing more evacuations. Premier François Legault says there are now more than 1,200 people fighting fires across the province, including reinforcements from New Brunswick and France, and thousands of Quebecers are…


139 Firefighters From Canada, US Battling Nova Scotia’s Barrington Lake Blaze

Firefighters from three provinces, the United States and Canada’s Department of National Defence are in southwestern Nova Scotia today to battle the largest wildfire in the province’s history. The province says there are 139 firefighters tackling the massive blaze near Barrington Lake, including five from P.E.I. and 14 from Newfoundland and Labrador. Seventeen firefighters are…


Quebec Now Taking the Offensive Against Forest Fires: Natural Resources Minister

Quebec’s natural resources minister says wilderness firefighters are now taking the offensive against the province’s forest fires instead of just reacting to the blazes. Maïté Blanchette Vézina says coordinated attacks against the fires are now possible due to reinforcements from other jurisdictions, including a team of wilderness firefighters from France. She says there are still…


‘The Battle Isn’t Won’: Next 48 Hours Crucial in Quebec Wildfire Fight: Bonnardel

The next 48 hours will be crucial in Quebec’s wildfire fight in northern and western parts of the province, Public Security Minister François Bonnardel said Saturday, with authorities hoping the situation remains stable ahead of rain forecast for early next week. Bonnardel told reporters that warmer temperatures and lower humidity levels will precede the moment…