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Oct 19, 2023 · As deadly wildfires continue to rage across Northern California’s wine country, with winds picking up speed overnight and worsening conditions to now include a combined 54,000 acres of torched land, it now seems more important than ever to understand how . wildfires work, and their lasting implications on our health and the environment.
Aug 23, 2023 · For Loretta Mickley, a Harvard wildfire expert, the fires present a dual problem: Not only are they a symptom of climate change — becoming bigger, hotter, and more common in regions where they can affect large population centers — but they also make the crisis worse. By burning vast layers of partially decomposed vegetable matter called peat, fires like those in Canada release even more ...
- Harvardgazette
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of air pollutants of which particulate matter (PM) is the principal public health threat. PM 2.5 from wildfire smoke is associated with premature deaths in the general population, and can cause and exacerbate diseases of the lungs, heart, brain/nervous system, skin, gut, kidney, eyes, nose and liver. It has also been ...
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Canada is facing unprecedented impacts from forest fires this year, with the increased intensity of this year’s wildfire season being felt by communities across the country.
June 19, 2023 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada
Canada is facing unprecedented impacts from forest fires this year, with the increased intensity of this year's wildfire season being felt by communities across the country. The Government of Canada continues to work with provinces, territories and other partners to assist those who have been forced from their homes or have been impacted by smoke, heat and other challenges.
As Canadians help each other through these challenges, it is important to know what we can do to protect ourselves and our families. Wildfires produce thick smoke that can lead to both minor and more serious health issues. Smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the fire zone, so even if you're not close to a fire, you can still be affected by the smoke. There is no safe level of exposure to wildfire smoke as it can pose a risk to your health even at very low levels.
Everyone is at risk from wildfire smoke but especially young children, people who are pregnant, people who smoke, seniors, people involved in outdoor work or sports and people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, such as lung or heart conditions and diabetes.
To help protect ourselves and our loved ones, there are certain actions we can take to limit our exposure to the harmful wildfire smoke, including:
"We are currently living through devastating wildfires across the country during one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. These events can harm our communities and our health, which is why we are working with all partners to mitigate this situation, reduce the risk to people from air pollution, and support those affected. During these times, we should all take the necessary actions to protect our health and wellbeing, including knowing the air quality in our communities and reducing exposure to wildfire smoke."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
"As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the country, we are working closely with impacted provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to ensure effective coordination and adequate resources are in place to minimize the impact. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, firefighters, community volunteers, and all those working around the clock to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Thank you for answering the call."
Honourable Bill Blair
President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness
•There are approx. 8000 wildfires each year in Canada with human-caused events representing 55% and lightning 45% of all wildfires.
•Health Canada estimates that between 2013 and 2018, up to 240 premature deaths per year were attributable to short-term exposure and up to 2500 premature deaths per year were attributable to long-term exposure to particles (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke.
•Between 2013 and 2018 the annual economic valuation of the health impacts was estimated at $410M-$1.8B for acute health impacts and $4.3B-$19B for chronic health impacts.
•According to the Canada in a Changing Climate report (2022) increasing wildfire emissions are one of the most significant climate-related risks to air quality in Canada. Canada needs to prepare for a future with more wildfires.
•Canada's average annual temperature is increasing at a rate of almost double the global average.
•The AQHI uses a scale to show the health risk associated with the air pollution we breathe.
•Backgrounder: The Government of Canada is supporting Canadians through the 2023 Wildfire Season - Update
Sep 5, 2023 · This year’s fire activity could also impact forest carbon balance, biodiversity, and disrupt local businesses, forest sector economies and Indigenous communities. Looking ahead: As wildfire risks will continue to intensify as the climate warms, Canada needs to reduce fossil fuel consumption and adapt fire management and mitigation strategies.
Apr 2, 2024 · Wildfires can be caused by human activity — such as arson, unattended fires, or the loss of control of planned burns — and natural causes, such as lightning. The spread of wildfires, once ignited, is determined by a range of factors, such as the amount and types of dry vegetation in the surrounding area, wind direction and speed, moisture levels, and heat.
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Jul 16, 2021 · Wildfire experts see the signature of climate change in the dryness, high heat and longer fire season that have made these fires more extreme. “We wouldn’t be seeing this giant ramp up in fire ...
