Drought and heat increase the risk of a repeat of record forest fires

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OTTAWA — Persistent drought and months of above-average temperatures have raised the risk of a repeat of last year's record wildfires, prompting federal ministers to wave a red warning flag about the need to tackle climate change.

“We can expect the bushfire season to start early, end late and potentially be explosive,” Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan told a news conference on Wednesday.

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The 2023 fire season was Canada's worst on record, burning more than 15 million hectares and forcing more than 230,000 people from their homes.

It also created unprecedented smog conditions across much of the country and the United States.

A spring fire risk forecast briefing document shows conditions are ripe for early and above-normal fire danger this year from Quebec to British Columbia in April and May.

The forecast is based on a warmer-than-normal winter, with less snow and drought, especially in the Prairies. April, May and June are more likely to have above normal temperatures.

About 70 fires are already burning, mostly in BC, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Most of them are fires that started in 2023 and burned underground throughout the winter and have since re-emerged.

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Michael Norton, director general of Natural Resources Canada's Northern Forestry Centre, says human activity is usually the main factor in fire risk in the spring.

This can include accidental burning, bonfires, fireworks, and heat from off-road vehicles igniting grass or other debris on the ground. In summer, lightning becomes the main source of wildfires.

Sajan said Canada has been working for months to prepare for the upcoming season and pledged additional funding for firefighting equipment and training.

Ottawa is also responding to the need for more on-deck work by doubling the tax credit for volunteer firefighters from $3,000 to $6,000.

Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Fire Chiefs Association, said it's not what the chiefs asked for, but he said he's glad Ottawa recognizes the important work volunteers do.

“While this credit will greatly benefit volunteer firefighters, it has a ripple effect on the entire fire service,” McMullen said in an interview.

“Even though it's not where we want it to be, we recognize it as a positive step in the right direction.”

McMullen said the association will continue to receive a $10,000 tax credit, an amount he said reflects the high cost of living as well as the important role volunteer firefighters play in keeping Canadians safe.

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