Wildfires are burning in more than 950 locations in Canada; Air quality is deteriorating

 

 

 

Wildfires are raging across the country in Canada. The National Wildland Fire Summary report shows that there are currently more than 950 fires burning. Of these, about 241 are completely out of control. The Ministry of Environment has issued a high alert in areas from British Columbia to Quebec and the Northwest Territories as the wildfires have worsened Canada's air quality.

Wildfires are burning in more than 100 locations in British Columbia. Most of them were started by lightning. About two percent of the fires have already become out of control. More than 130 buildings in the Big Bar Lake and Meadow Lake areas north of Vancouver were evacuated after the wildfires spread to residential areas. More than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze.

A wildfire is raging in northern Manitoba. On June 26, about 600 people were evacuated from the remote village of O-Pipon-na-Piwin Cree Nation. Smoke has reduced air quality and reduced visibility in the area.

More than 1,400 people were evacuated from the Fort Simpson and Wrigley areas by the end of June due to the wildfire. Most of them are currently living in Yellowknife. Officials are hoping that the cooler temperatures in the coming days will help bring the fires under control.

In the province of Ontario alone, about 200 wildfires are burning. More land has been destroyed by wildfires this year than in all of last year. People who fled northern Ontario have sought shelter in hotels in the city of Thunder Bay. More than 150 fire crews and helicopters are continuing to battle the blaze.

The wildfire, which started on Mooseland Road northeast of Halifax, has spread to about 14 square kilometres. Water bombers and helicopters from Newfoundland and Labrador are helping with the rescue effort. More than 100 people in the rural area have been ordered to evacuate as a precaution.