Canada braces for elevated wildfire risk

The Canadian government on Thursday issued an update on its wildfire preparedness and seasonal forecast, warning of above-normal temperatures across nearly all regions from June to August and heightened fire risks.



According to a news release issued by Public Safety Canada, long-standing precipitation deficits persist in Western Canada and modelling of wildfire risk by Natural Resources Canada shows fire danger is building across Canada through July, with British Columbia facing the highest and most sustained fire risk.



Elevated fire danger could also emerge quickly in parts of northern, central and eastern Canada, said the release.



As of Thursday, there are 65 active wildfires in Canada with six wildfires currently out of control. The total area burned so far this year is over 18,935 hectares, said the release.