Latest news with #fireseason
CBS News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Minnesotans feel effects of Canadian wildfires as skies fill with smoke
As wildfires rage in Canada, officials there are warning of major challenges for crews trying to contain them. The worst of the flames are in the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, just to the northwest of Minnesota "A lot of the prairies within Canada, the prairie provinces, entered the fire season already starting out in a drought, and so there wasn't a lot of moisture throughout the winter," said Alex Jones a communications manager at the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. Compared to two years ago, when nearly 5,000 wildfires raged, burning some 27 million acres, the caseload and damage is about half. Roughly 3,467 fires are burning across 14 million acres in 2025, though officials say it's the second worst wildfire season in the country's history. "We've requested support from our international partners who have responded, which we're super super thankful for, but sometimes simply looking at Canada's land mass, the forested region of Canada, where our road networks extends can give a little perspective on why it's so hard to address these northern fires," said Jones. One of the major challenges is that fires are well out of reach of conventional firefighting resources. "When fires start in these areas, you can get small teams out there by aircraft if aircraft is available. Or you might just have to monitor the wildfire and let it play out its natural role," said Jones. The consequence: hazy and smoky skies. The worst AQI reading this summer in Minneapolis was on July 12, registering at 175. Friday's reading was nearly that high. It was enough to wreak havoc on campers and counselors at the Minneapolis Sailing Club. "It can make it hard to breathe sometimes, so kids are a little more tired, they get headaches. A lot of kids don't even come to camp on days like this," said Ana Weller. Two years ago, the air quality index in Minneapolis topped out at 243, the highest ever recorded by state officials. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Minneapolis had the worst air pollution in the United States that day. More than 600 American firefighters have traveled to Canada this summer to help battle those wildfires.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Canada wildfires burn area the size of Croatia
Canada's wildfires have burned more than 13.6 million acres (5.5 million hectares) this year, an area roughly the size of Croatia, officials said Friday as the country endures one of its most destructive fire seasons. In 2023, Canada's worst-ever fire season, 42.9 million acres of land were scorched, an extraordinary scale of damage that focused international attention on the growing threat of wildfires boosted by human-induced climate change. Canada has counted some 3,000 wildfires in 2025, with 561 burning as of Friday, according to official figures. "This is one of the highest cumulative areas burned for this time of year, behind the record setting fire season of 2023," an official with Canada's natural resources ministry, Michael Norton, told reporters. But, he added: "unlike 2023, when fire activity didn't level off, what we're seeing this year is a more normal pattern of burning." According to figures dating back to 1983, Canada's second most destructive fire season was 1995, when 17.5 million acres burned, a mark that may be passed this year. Elevated temperatures and dry conditions led to a difficult spring this year, particularly in the central provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. While the intensity of fire activity diminished in June, officials warned the coming two months tend to be the most active nationally, with conditions favorable for burning expected in several areas, including the western province of British Columbia. Indigenous Canadians have been disproportionately impacted, with 39,000 First Nation residents displaced so far this year. In recent years, Canada has experienced warming at least twice as fast as the rest of the globe. Linked to climate change, rising temperatures lead to reduced snow, shorter and milder winters, and earlier summer conditions that are conducive to fires, experts say. amp/bs/aks
France 24
18-07-2025
- Climate
- France 24
Canada wildfires burn area the size of Croatia
In 2023, Canada's worst-ever fire season, 42.9 million acres of land were scorched, an extraordinary scale of damage that focused international attention on the growing threat of wildfires boosted by human-induced climate change. Canada has counted some 3,000 wildfires in 2025, with 561 burning as of Friday, according to official figures. "This is one of the highest cumulative areas burned for this time of year, behind the record setting fire season of 2023," an official with Canada's natural resources ministry, Michael Norton, told reporters. But, he added: "unlike 2023, when fire activity didn't level off, what we're seeing this year is a more normal pattern of burning." According to figures dating back to 1983, Canada's second most destructive fire season was 1995, when 17.5 million acres burned, a mark that may be passed this year. Elevated temperatures and dry conditions led to a difficult spring this year, particularly in the central provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. While the intensity of fire activity diminished in June, officials warned the coming two months tend to be the most active nationally, with conditions favorable for burning expected in several areas, including the western province of British Columbia. Indigenous Canadians have been disproportionately impacted, with 39,000 First Nation residents displaced so far this year. In recent years, Canada has experienced warming at least twice as fast as the rest of the globe. Linked to climate change, rising temperatures lead to reduced snow, shorter and milder winters, and earlier summer conditions that are conducive to fires, experts say.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
LIVE @ 1:30: Province to provide update on Sask. wildfires
Trees burned by wildfires in northern Manitoba are shown during a helicopter tour in the surrounding area of Flin Flon, Man. on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Deal-Pool Members of the provincial government and officials with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) are set to provide an update on the province's wildfire situation. The press conference, scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. CST, will be streamed live at the top of this article. Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Tim McLeod is set to speak, along with several other officials. As of Monday morning, there are 67 wildfires burning in the province. Eight are considered contained, 17 are not contained, 26 are under ongoing assessment and protecting values is the priority for 16 fires. Rainfall and cooler temperatures allowed the province to end its state of emergency on June 27. At that time, evacuations had ended for all but two communities across the province. At the emergency's height, the wildfires forced around 15,000 residents to flee their homes. Wildfire activity has peaked again in recent days. The current total of 67 fires is more than double the total while the state of emergency was in effect. The fires stretch across Saskatchewan's sparsely populated north — with flames reported as far north as Wollaston Lake and as far south as the Carrot River area. On June 20, the province confirmed that over 1,900 values had been lost so far this fire season. The losses included 299 houses and 60 cabins. -With files from Drew Postey and Caitlin Brezinski.
CTV News
03-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Extreme wildfire season strains Ontario's firefighting resources
This is a glimpse of what a Rank 6 fire looks like as a wall of fire was heading directly for Webequie First Nation in June 2025. This is a glimpse of what a Rank 6 fire looks like as a wall of fire was heading directly for Webequie First Nation in June 2025. Northwestern Ontario is facing a severe wildfire season with strained resources. Amid criticisms over delayed waterbomber orders and provincial underfunding of firefighting efforts, new blazes are threatening communities. Firefighers soak ground of forest Firefighers soak ground of forest to help stop the spread of approaching wildfire. (File photo/Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) New fires ignite amid high hazard conditions The Ministry of Natural Resources said there were 17 new fires in the region by the evening of July 2, bringing the total number of active blazes to 46. Of those, 20 are 'not under control,' six are under control and 16 are being monitored. The Red Lake district is particularly hard hit, with multiple fires erupting near Indigenous communities. Red Lake 69, a 0.2-hectare fire near Murfitt Lake, and Red Lake 68, a 0.3-hectare blaze west of Cat Lake First Nation, are among those still out of control. The largest new fire, Red Lake 062, spans 10 hectares and requires waterbomber support. Fire hazard conditions range from high to extreme across the Kenora, Dryden and Red Lake areas, with moderate to low risks in the far north. The MNR warns that dry conditions and lightning strikes are contributing to the rapid spread of new fires. Major fires strain resources Two fires of note continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Red Lake 12, near Deer Lake and Sandy Lake First Nations, has grown to 195,670 hectares and remains uncontained. Twenty-three crews and nine helicopters are working to suppress hotspots, with infrared scans revealing persistent heat along the western perimeter. Red Lake 12 - May 30 CL415s and lead birddog aircraft performed aerial fire suppression to support crews on the ground battling a 9,617 hectare fire in northwestern Ontarion near Deer Lake First Nation on May 30, 2025. This image shows an aerial view of the smoke coming off of the Red Lake 12 wildfire on May 30, 2025. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X | Photo Credit: Eli Leatherdale) Sioux Lookout 18, near Cat Lake First Nation, spans 23,648 hectares but shows minimal activity. Command has been handed back to local fire management teams. The MNR reports some progress elsewhere, noting that Kenora 20 and Kenora 32 (a cross-border fire from Manitoba) have been brought under control, crediting fire crew efforts and recent rainfall. Criticism over preparedness and resources As the crisis intensifies, opposition MPPs are accusing the provincial government of failing to adequately support wildfire personnel. Guy Bourgouin, the NDP MPP for Mushkegowuk-James Bay, and Lise Vaugeois, the NDP MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, issued a joint news release condemning delayed investments in equipment and staffing late last month. Guy Bourgouin An undated profile photo of Mushkegowuk–James Bay NDP MPP Guy Bourgouin. (Facebook) 'With record-breaking fires already burning through the North, this government's lack of preparedness is putting people, communities and entire ecosystems at risk,' said Bourgouin. He went on to highlight the grounding of three waterbombers due to crew shortages, asking, 'Can the premier tell us where the receipts are for any new waterbombers?' Lise Vaugeois An undated profile photo of Thunder Bay-Superior North NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois. (Facebook) 'These workers put their lives on the line, but this government is treating them like they're disposable,' Vaugeois added. The NDP is demanding an immediate budget increase of $300 million for wildfire programs, improved pay for firefighters, and faster procurement of aircraft. Global backlog delays new waterbombers The province's reliance on aging aircraft has become a focal point. Ontario's fleet of 11 CL-415 waterbombers is stretched thin, and six newly ordered planes face years-long delays due to production backlogs. CL-415 waterbomber A CL-415 waterbomber in flight. (Ministry of Natural Resources/Ontario Forest Fires/X) De Havilland Canada, which acquired the manufacturing rights in 2016, is prioritizing 22 EU orders made as early as 2022 before fulfilling domestic requests. Premier Doug Ford acknowledged the delays speaking to reports on Wednesday, stating, 'They produce them in Alberta … but it's taking four years to produce more water bombers.' Seasonal trends exceed averages The province's 2025 fire season has already surpassed last year's numbers, with 265 fires recorded as of July 2 compared to 126 total in 2024. This year's figure also exceeds the 10-year average of 258 fires for this period. Ongoing risks for northern communities Bourgouin shared video of a Rank 6 fire (the highest intensity classification) threatening Webequie First Nation last month on social media, writing, 'This wall of fire was heading directly for Webequie. The government must restore stable funding to our wildland firefighters.' Rank 6 fire This is a glimpse of what a Rank 6 fire looks like as a wall of fire was heading directly for Webequie First Nation in June 2025. (Guy Bourgouin/Facebook) With no significant rainfall forecast, the MNR urges residents to monitor fire hazards via its interactive map and adhere to airspace restrictions near active fires.
