Topic Environmental
Heavy rain aids in tempering B.C. wildfires in Shuswap, Okanagan regions
August 24, 2023 by The Canadian PressFirefighters in British Columbia’s southern Interior continue to battle a number of major blazes, having been aided by ample rainfall that fell Wednesday over the Okanagan and Shuswap regions. B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Forrest Tower says one weather station…
How much insurers can expect to pay for Canadian wildfires
August 23, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoCanadian insurers could see between $700 million and $1.5 billion in insured losses from this summer’s wildfire season, DBRS Morningstar predicts in new commentary. Despite the high loss figures, the claims incurred in 2023 Q3’s wildfire season will be manageable…
Yellowknife mayor says it’s too unsafe for residents to return to the capital city
August 23, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoYELLOWKNIFE — The mayor of Yellowknife says it’s not safe for residents to go home to the territorial capital, but notes city officials are working on a return plan as a fire continues to burn about 15 kilometres away. Most…
How wildfires are affecting some of Canada’s largest P&C insurers
August 22, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoDespite facing a heavy loss year and an unusually active wildfire season, four of Canada’s publicly traded P&C companies — Intact Financial Corporation, Fairfax Financial Holdings, Definity Financial Corporation and Trisura Group Ltd. — reported positive underwriting profits thus far,…
Almost 60 buildings lost to wildfire in Kelowna, B.C., area, fire chiefs say
August 22, 2023 by Dirk Meissner The Canadian PressA West Kelowna man says he is still in shock after the wildfire tearing through the region burned down his condo and forced him and his eight-months-pregnant wife to evacuate twice in one night. Randy Miskuski said his family had…
Homes ablaze in West Kelowna, B.C. after overnight wildfire
August 18, 2023 by The Canadian PressWEST KELOWNA, B.C. – Homes are currently ablaze in West Kelowna, B.C., after a devastating overnight battle with a wildfire that has already destroyed a significant number of properties. The fire has been “exponentially worse” than expected, says Jason Brolund,…
Thousands of residents around West Kelowna, B.C., on evacuation alert as fire flares
August 17, 2023 by The Canadian PressKAMLOOPS, B.C. – Thousands of British Columbia residents around West Kelowna have been warned to be ready to leave on short notice because of a nearby spot fire that charred more than half a square kilometre in just a few…
Adjusters handling early claims from N.W.T. wildfires
August 17, 2023 by Jason ContantInsurance adjusters are preparing for an influx of claims as wildfires continue to burn in Northwest Territories, with the capital city of Yellowknife coming under an evacuation order as the flames are predicted to arrive at the city’s doorstep on…
Winds, heat and lightning trigger concern as two B.C. wildfires surge
August 16, 2023 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – Wildfire crews in British Columbia are bracing for an incoming weather system expected to bring strong winds and dry lightning by Thursday, but conditions are already flaring in at least two areas of the province. The Regional District…
Ongoing heat over southern B.C. topples records, sets table for added wildfire woes
August 15, 2023 by The Canadian PressVANCOUVER – The ten hottest communities in Canada were all located in British Columbia on Monday and forecasters expect the sizzling temperatures will continue for at least a few more days across the province’s Interior. The Fraser Canyon communities of…
Wildfires close evacuation routes out of N.W.T. towns, some being transported by air
August 14, 2023 by The Canadian PressFORT SMITH, N.W.T. – Residents of a second town near the Alberta-Northwest Territories boundary were ordered to evacuate to safety Sunday evening due to encroaching wildfires, with a new fire meaning the only route out for one of the communities…
Health concerns raised after massive fire at Toronto industrial site
August 11, 2023 by The Canadian PressToronto firefighters were battling to control a major blaze at an industrial site where chemicals are stored in the city’s west-end, as area residents were ordered to stay indoors with their windows shut amid concerns about hazardous smoke. Firefighters are…