The first major wildfires of the season have engulfed approximately 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) across Western Canada.
On Sunday, authorities issued an evacuation order for a community in British Columbia and warned of deteriorating air quality affecting several provinces.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations saw thousands evacuated as a nearby blaze expanded dramatically to 4,136 hectares.
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Rob Fraser, in a television interview, commented: “Most of the 3,500 residents in and around Fort Nelson have been evacuated.”
Additionally, an evacuation order was issued for Fontas, an Indigenous community located 7 km (4.35 miles) from the town of Fort Nelson.
Over in Alberta, residents of Fort McMurray, a city previously ravaged by wildfires in 2016, were advised to prepare for possible evacuation.
Authorities managed to control the fire’s spread in Fort McMurray by the end of the day, thanks to favorable weather conditions and a forecasted rain shower.
Fraser revealed the fire’s cause, stating: “The fire was started by a tree blown down by strong winds falling onto a power line.”
Alberta reported a total of 43 active fires by Sunday, with one 16 km southwest of Fort McMurray escalating in intensity.
Wildfire crews, supported by 13 helicopters and airtankers, were deployed to manage the blaze.
Smoke from the fires severely affected air quality, leading Environment Canada to issue a special air quality statement extending from British Columbia to Ontario.
Federal authorities have warned that Canada might face another catastrophic wildfire season, with forecasts of higher-than-normal temperatures due to El Nino weather conditions.
The ongoing wildfires in Western Canada represent a critical challenge for local authorities and residents.
The swift response in terms of evacuations and the mobilization of firefighting resources highlights the severity of the situation.
These events underscore the broader environmental concerns linked to climate change, such as increased wildfire risks and more frequent extreme weather conditions.
As Canada braces for a potentially harsh wildfire season, the focus on preparedness and community safety remains paramount.
