Keyword
wildfire
Is Fort McMurray still insurable?
April 26, 2024 by Jason ContantEditor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire cost nearly $6 billion in insured damage, citing 2016 loss totals for that year from Insurance Bureau of Canada. However, the $6 billion total…
Fire bans announced in B.C. and Alberta as more than 170 wildfires burn
April 25, 2024 The Canadian PressTactical evacuations have started in northeastern British Columbia as wildfires tear through the area. An update from the B.C. Wildfire Service Wednesday night said efforts are focused on protecting public life and safety in the Peace River Regional District and…
‘Trees going up like Roman candles’ as fire season starts early in B.C., Alberta
April 23, 2024 The Canadian PressSusanne Langan first noticed the Burgess Creek wildfire from her home in British Columbia’s Cariboo region on Saturday afternoon as a distant, thin column of smoke. But as winds picked up that night, the flames became more aggressive. “I could…
Flood and fire preparedness measures underway in N.W.T. town
April 22, 2024 The Canadian PressThe Town of Hay River has been through a lot over the last couple of years, having first contended with serious flooding in 2022 and then devastating wildfires in 2023. With the memories of those crises still fresh in the…
Wildfire clean-up continues in Enterprise, NWT
April 17, 2024 Tom Taylor, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North – The Canadian PressEnterprise’s 2024 spring carnival was a sorely needed opportunity for celebration in a community that has been through more than most over the last few months. “It was just great fun,” said Sandra McMaster, who became the community’s new mayor…
Before likely ‘ferocious’ wildfire season, fire chiefs worry about drop in volunteers
April 12, 2024 Lyndsay Armstrong – The Canadian PressAs Canada looks ahead to what experts fear could be another devastating wildfire season, fire chiefs say they are worried about the dwindling number of volunteers available to combat the rising threat. Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Association of…
Drought, heat raise risk of repeat of last summer’s record-breaking wildfires
April 10, 2024 The Canadian PressPersistent drought and months of above-average temperatures have raised the risk of a repeat of last year’s record-breaking wildfires. Federal officials say conditions are already ripe for an early and above-normal fire risk from Quebec all the way to British…
B.C. to get wildfire training and education centre in response to expert task force
April 5, 2024 The Canadian PressBritish Columbia’s premier says a training and education centre for wildfire fighters will be established in response to recommendations by a task force that looked into last year’s catastrophic wildfires. David Eby says the centre at Thompson Rivers University in…
Driven by wildfire smoke, Canada’s air quality worse than U.S. in 2023
March 25, 2024 Jordan Omstead – The Canadian PressCanada’s air pollution levels last year were worse than those in the United States for the first time since an air-quality firm started publishing its assessments in 2018. The sixth World Air Quality report published Tuesday by Swiss firm IQAir…
Alberta town outlines plan ahead of fire season
March 21, 2024 John Watson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Strathmore Times – The Canadian PressThe Town of Strathmore recently finalized its hazard reduction burn plan, which aims to reduce the risk of grass and wildfires in the local region. According to the town, the plan aims to assess grassland fuels on the landscape within…
Active spring wildfire season may be in store for B.C. as drought persists
March 19, 2024 Ashley Joannou – The Canadian PressBritish Columbia needs a drenching of rain to alleviate the tinder dry conditions that have forecasters worried about the potential for another difficult wildfire season. Cliff Chapman, director of operations for the BC Wildfire Service, said parts of the province…
How clients can be motivated on climate action
March 5, 2024 by Jason ContantMeasures to help mitigate climate change are a known commodity, it’s just a matter of motivating the public, government and regulators to take action, speakers suggested Monday at an industry event. Climate change is irreversible, but its rate can be…