Don't let cooler, cloudy weather make you fire complacent
Current wildfires have burned considerably less area in Alberta than this time last year, the province says. People are asked to heed fire bans despite moderate weather and lower fire risk.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
13 minutes ago
- CBC
With heat waves more frequent, P.E.I. public health officials are preparing an alert system
With Prince Edward Island slowly but surely getting hotter, the province's Chief Public Health Office is developing a plan to keep people safe during the heat waves that have become increasingly more common. P.E.I. saw three heat waves in 2024, with the first warning issued on the last day of spring. Environment Canada issues heat warnings when the temperature is forecast to exceed 28 C for two or more days with overnight temperatures not dropping below 18 C. Despite the increased frequency of these events, this province is one of the last in the country to develop what's known as a heat alert and response system, or HARS. That's about to change. The Chief Public Health Office recently secured funding from Health Canada to hire a co-ordinator to develop such a program in P.E.I. "When we look at extreme heat events, particularly in other provinces, then we know that there's an increase in daily mortality rates when temperatures rise above certain levels," said Dr. Heather Morrison, the province's chief public health officer. "We want to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening here." Hundreds have died in Canada In 2021, a heat dome killed at least 619 people in British Columbia over a five-day span. High temperatures in Quebec in 2010 claimed the lives of 280. A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system traps heat near the earth's surface, and it gets held in place by a blocked jet stream. Heat waves are projected to become more intense, frequent and longer in duration across the country, and they're becoming a bigger public health concern for P.E.I. officials too. "I remember saying to other people in other parts of the country, 'Oh, we don't need air conditioning,'" Morrison said. "That has changed, and we really do want to make sure that we look after Islanders as we recognize the impacts of these extreme heat events that are occurring and will continue to occur with more frequency." How HARS could work Heat alert and response systems have been implemented at community and provincial levels across the country. They typically outline when to activate and deactivate HARS according to Environment Canada's heat warning criteria, and outline a communication plan for the public on what they can do to prevent heat-related illnesses. That's followed by an evaluation of the program, which will look at how many people experienced heat illnesses, in order to focus on prevention during future events. Peter Berry, a senior policy analyst who advises Health Canada's director on climate issues, said the systems could involve helping people identify their nearest cooling centre and mandating extended hours for things like pools and splash pads. "These interventions really work in terms of cooling yourself down and protecting yourself and the people that you love that perhaps need more assistance than you do," Berry said. "You really need to be broad in terms of engaging partners when you develop the HARS to understand… some of the barriers that people with disabilities might face in terms of getting to cooling centres, and you need to hear from people with diverse voices and lived experiences that can also provide that type of information." Tips for summer campers, pet owners and construction crews trying to beat the heat on P.E.I. 11 months ago Duration 3:21 Amid P.E.I.'s most recent heat wave, everyone is doing their best to stay cool. Two summer camps for kids both have measures in place to keep participants from overheating. CBC P.E.I. also spoke with the Department of Transportation about how crews are doing while working outside, and with a dog trainer about how animals cope with the hot weather. The funding for P.E.I.'s co-ordinator will extend over two years, and the CPHO will aim to have a heat alert and response system up and running within that time, Morrison said. The ultimate goal is to spread awareness about extreme heat events, educate Islanders about how to stay cool, and keep them out of emergency departments and hospitals. "If we can put some of these mitigation measures in place when P.E.I.'s HARS system is activated, that will hopefully reduce the number of people who get really sick or end up in hospital or have severe outcomes," Morrison said.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Candle Lake prepares for imminent fire threat; restaurant closes to serve firefighters only
The massive Shoe fire could reach the Resort Village of Candle Lake within the next three to 10 days, depending on the weather, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says. The fire is less than 12 kilometres from the village, Mayor Colleen Lavoie said in an interview Friday. Emergency services workers have been going door to door, removing flammable materials such as propane tanks and gas cans. A mandatory evacuation order has not been issued yet. However, there is a state of emergency and a voluntary evacuation request, with the village encouraging anyone who is not an essential worker to leave. The Shoe fire, first reported a month ago on May 7, has burned almost 500,000 hectares of land. "It's advancing slowly, so I'm hoping we have up to three to five days, maybe a little longer depending on if we have favourable winds," Lavoie said. "Everybody, please, fire smart your homes. So make sure there's nothing combustible around your home, even if you have to move it out by the road, by the driveway, where it's away from your house. That would be helpful," she said. Firebreaks have been completed in several areas surrounding the community, with more nearing completion. Additional firebreaks and backburns are also being worked on. Rain on the way, but winds add uncertainty Weather may offer a reprieve as rain is in the forecast starting Saturday in areas of northern Saskatchewan, bringing 10 to 20 millimetres of precipitation, but there is also a chance of thunderstorms, said Christy Climenhaga, a scientist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. She said winds will be strong, gusting up to 50 to 60 kilometres per hour in the south on Saturday and then coming from the northwest. "Rain is beneficial when you are dealing with such dry conditions and active fire activity, so that will reduce the risk with cooler temperatures and a rainy day. But on the other hand, wind is something that we look at with wildfires because it can cause those fires to spread very quickly," Climenhaga said. She said much of Saskatchewan has had the driest spring on record this year, including in La Ronge, Prince Albert and North Battleford. "June forecast has a drier note at least for parts of west-central and southwestern Saskatchewan and a slightly wetter note for northeastern Saskatchewan," she said. Climenhaga said that climate change increases the intensity and risk of wildfires. "What we know about climate change and our fire behaviour is that as the climate changes, we're expecting longer fire seasons and an increased frequency of intense seasons," she said. WATCH | 'Memories just burned up': Wildfires in the Prairies: 'Memories just burned up': Wildfires in the Prairies 15 hours ago Duration 1:32 Saskatchewan and Manitoba have been grappling with raging wildfires, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. CBC News spoke to Canadians from some of the hardest-hit communities in the Prairies. Restaurant closes doors to serve firefighters Wayne and Jennifer Tucker, owners of Emma's Kitchen in Candle Lake, have temporarily closed their restaurant to the public to serve meals to wildfire crews. They're serving breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals to support those working long hours on the front lines. From bacon and eggs to meatballs and stew, they're cooking it up to serve the fire crews. "We really wanted to support the firefighters. We know that they're they're out there, they're working hard, long days, and they need a really good meal," Jennifer said in an interview Friday on CBC Radio's The 306. With donations pouring in from local residents and even high schools in Saskatoon, Emma's Kitchen is making a difference during these tough times. They're feeding about 55 people in a day and packing up around 80 lunch bags to go out.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Poor air quality with moderate risk level in Ottawa this Saturday
A person wears a mask as they cycle through Majors Hill park in Ottawa as forest fire smoke from Manitoba hangs over the National Capital region. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick The special air quality statement that was issued for eastern Ontario and western Quebec Thursday remains in effect, with a moderate health risk. The air quality health index is at level five this Saturday morning in Ottawa. Environment Canada says the poor air quality and reduced visibility over the area are due to the smoke caused by wildfires. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,' reads the statement. 'You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.' Residents over the age of 55, pregnant women, workers who work outdoors and people with existing health conditions are at risk of being impacted by wildfire smoke. Those people are asked to protect themselves by limiting their exposure to smoke by staying indoors. 'When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool,' reads the statement. 'Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.' Those who must spend time outdoors are asked to wear a respirator type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator, reads the statement. The statement comes as fires continue to ravage the Prairies, prompting the province of Manitoba to declare a national emergency. Hundreds of Manitoba First Nations are seeking refuge in Niagara Falls, hundreds of kilometres away from home. More information about reducing your health risk is available at Weather forecast Environment Canada calls for a high of 25 C and a mix of sun and cloud this Saturday. A low of 10 C and a few clouds are expected for tonight. Sunday will be sunny with a high of 24 C. A low of 15 C and a 30 per cent chance of showers are expected overnight. On Monday, the capital will see a high of 22 C and a 40 per cent chance of showers. A low of 15 C and a 60 per cent chance of showers are expected for the night. The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 13 C.
