Members of the Federal Government met on June 12 to alert Canadians of the importance in paying attention to the current Wildfire assessment for the 2024 wildfire Season.
In a press release, federal cabinet ministers said wildfires are on the increase, and they expect this year will remain high, particularly in regions like Alberta, Northeastern British Columbia and southern Northwest Territories.
“Last year, Canada experienced its most destructive forest fire season in history,” Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said. “While favourable weather conditions have helped control some of the larger wildfires in Western Canada this May, coming warmer weather is expected to bring challenges.”
The 2024 projections for seasonal wildfires in June indicate above normal wildfire activities across the country from British Columbia to Labrador, and portions of Atlantic Canada. The projection shows the trend continuing into July. The Federal Government has promised to continue monitoring the conditions closely.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians and keeping them safe from extreme weather events brought on by climate change,” Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit S. Saijan said in a press release. “We are working closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and our international allies to protect all Canadians from wildfires. We will continue to monitor the wildfire situation across Canada and we are prepared to provide assistance to provinces and territories should the need arise.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) meteorologists have continued to project that the weather conditions for summer 2024 could lead to greater wildfire risks. However the government says that as the climate changes, regions with drier than normal conditions and more drought conditions stands the risk of experiencing more natural and human-caused wildfires.
Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister said the government will pay close attention to the needs of Indigenous communities this summer.
“Everyone in Canada deserves to feel safe, but First Nations are disproportionally at risk of wildfires,” she said in a press release. “This is already a difficult summer for many communities but we will be by their side before, during and after wildfires, and we will do it in a way that respects their self-determination and supports their leadership.”
For more information please visit Canadian Wildfire Information System.