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

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

In Canada, devastating forest fires are currently spreading in several provinces. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario are particularly affected, where over 120 foci were registered. About half of this fire is already out of control, which forces thousands of people to evacuate. The situation is described as extremely critical by the authorities.

Manitoba's Prime Minister Wab Kinew has asked the population to pray for rain because noteworthy rainfall for fire fighting is not in sight. As a result of the extreme drought and the strong wind, the fires have received wide space for spreading. These factors are considered the main causes of the catastrophic conditions that prevail in Canada. The government also declared the emergency in Saskatchewan, while the head of government Scott Moe describes the situation as worse than ever.

historical dimension of the fires

These fires represent the most devastating in the history of Canada. Since the beginning of the records, an area of ​​over 15 million hectares has been burned, which corresponds to almost half the area of ​​Germany. The previous fire areas are more than twice as high as in the worst year 1995 than over 7 million hectares burned. According to Alexander Held, a forest scientist, it is a "new quality" of fires that develop beyond the control threshold.

Although the total number of fires has not increased, these larger fires develop so much energy that they are almost impossible to extinguish. Forest fires are a natural part of the ecosystem, but these current events have exceeded the extent that 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 released large amounts of CO2 - about 290 megatons. This transforms former carbon sinks into CO2 sources. Fire dust is also released, which entails considerable health risks. In June, Montreal had the worst air quality worldwide, while the smoke from Canada even reached Europe, but remained in higher atmospheric layers.

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

The events in Canada illustrate the urgent need to take suitable measures in order to counter both the stricter fire risk and the consequences of climate change. Experts like the WWF warn that, considering the climatic changes, the likelihood of such disasters will continue to increase. This requires increased international cooperation and support to cope with the effects and to help the affected regions.

Kleine Zeitung reports that the situation in Canada is extremely tense. Also Rheinpfalz emphasizes the spread of the fires, while Tagesschau emphasized the climatic relationships and the need for changes in forestry.