Disaster in Canada: Forest fires out of control - thousands evacuated!

Disaster in Canada: Forest fires out of control - thousands evacuated!

In Canada, devastating forest fires are currently spreading across several provinces. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario are particularly affected, where over 120 fires have been recorded. About half of these fires are already out of control, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. The situation is described by the authorities as extremely critical.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has urged people to pray for rain as there is no sign of significant rainfall to fight fires. As a result of the extreme dryness and strong winds, the fires have been given wide scope to spread. These factors are considered to be the main causes of the catastrophic conditions that exist in Canada. The government has also declared a state of emergency in Saskatchewan, with Prime Minister Scott Moe describing the situation as worse than ever.

Historical dimension of the fires

These fires represent the most devastating in Canada's history. Since records began, over 15 million hectares have been burned, which is almost half the area of ​​Germany. This means that the areas burned so far are more than twice as high as in the worst year of 1995, when over 7 million hectares burned. According to Alexander Held, a forestry scientist, this is a “new quality” of fires developing beyond the control threshold.

Although the total number of fires has not increased, these larger fires generate so much energy that they are nearly impossible to put out. Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, but these current events have exceeded what can be regulated by natural processes. Experts attribute the devastating situation to failures in forestry and climate change, which, in addition to monocultures, also include inadequate prevention.

Health and ecological consequences

The fires not only have a direct impact on the affected regions, but also release large amounts of CO2 - around 290 megatons. This turns former carbon sinks into CO2 sources. The fires also release fine dust, which poses significant health risks. Montreal had the worst air quality in the world in June, while smoke from Canada even reached Europe but remained in higher atmospheric levels.

Experts warn of increasing fire disasters due to climate change and recommend comprehensive restructuring of forests. Mixed forests and deciduous trees as well as targeted prevention measures, such as controlled fires in spring, could help prevent major fires in summer. The situation currently remains tense and is causing great concern among the affected population.

Events in Canada highlight the urgent need to take appropriate action to address both the worsening fire threat and the impacts of climate change. Experts such as the WWF warn that, given climate changes, the likelihood of such disasters will continue to increase. This requires increased international cooperation and support to manage the impacts and help affected regions.

Small newspaper reports that the situation in Canada is extremely tense. Also Rhine Palatinate highlights the danger of the fires spreading while daily news emphasized the climatic connections and the need for changes in forestry.