Lightning-caused fires are on the rise in Canada; Meteorologists say that half of the area may burn

 

Meteorologists have warned that fires caused by lightning may increase in forests in Canada. Experts say lightning-triggered fires will become more common and lead to larger wildfires as the climate warms. Mike Flanigan, a wildfire scientist at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, said lightning is the main cause of new fires in many areas. He says that half of the wildfires in Canada are caused by lightning and the other half are man-made. Meanwhile, man-made fires are reportedly on the decline in Canada.

As a result of fire caused by lightning, a very large area is burnt. Experts say that 90 percent of the total fires in the season are caused by lightning. All these fires become more intense and wildfires spread to more remote areas in extreme drought conditions.

Lightning struck 59 percent of Canada's wildfires during last year's record-breaking season. According to government figures, more than 93 percent of the area has been burnt.