Wildfire is a frequent occurrence in Canada. Currently, devastating wildfires are there in Canada, the effects of which also reached some areas of the US. According to multiple sources including the BBC, the wildfire started in the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta but later spread to several eastern regions including Quebec and Ontario. Wildfires have been going on for several weeks without any possibility of ending sooner affecting millions of acres of land, despite the relentless efforts of firefighters. Importantly, wildfires that occur every year have increased in recent decades and bring enormous negative effects including the destruction of forests and wildlife, an increase in air pollution and many health impacts leading to a growing concern.
Wildfire fighting efforts are better in western countries including Canada. Yet, Canada is struggling to fight wildfires. Definitely, wildfires in Canada — which mainly blazes the western provinces — are driven by natural and manmade causes that make it difficult to reduce the occurrence of wildfires and fight them. According to multiple sources, lightning is a crucial cause of frequent wildfires in Canada. But the chance of wildfires increases when the ground is dry and the air is hot. Climate change has some effects on devastating wildfires as it leads to prolonged periods of sunny weather, hot conditions and drought. Consequently, wildfires last for a long in summer. Human activities including throwing a burning cigarette, leaving a campfire unattended and electrical failures also cause wildfires.
It is notable that Canada, where about 7,300 forest fires have occurred each year over the last 25 years and the area burned by wildfires has significantly been increasing for several decades, has up-to-date firefighting equipment and put emphasis on fire management for preventing and fighting fires to protect people, property and forest resources in a planned manner. Federal, provincial and territorial governments have developed the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy which includes measures to mitigate hazards and improve fire preparedness, response and recovery capabilities. Also, forest management agencies have a strong record of cooperation. But wildfire prevention is not given the required emphasis and firefighting resources including financial and human resources are limited compared to the scale of wildfires across the country.
Though it is hard to control wildfires in the summer season because of the causes that are uncontrollable by immediate steps, the problem of wildfires is desired to be addressed by addressing human-driven causes and making planned efforts. It is definitely crucial for Canada to secure resources to get through the summer for fighting wildfires. But the capacity of firefighting agencies needs to be strengthened and adjusted to fight devastating wildfires. Also, putting emphasis on the prevention of frequent wildfires is imperative. Expanding prescribed burning and enhancing resource sharing among provincial states may be helpful. Global efforts are also crucial to fight global warming and reduce the occurrence and devastation of wildfires in Canada and other countries.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
