By Canadian Press

Canada sees 100,000 square kilometres burned this record-breaking wildfire season

Jul 16, 2023 | 10:39 AM

OTTAWA — Canada’s record-breaking wildfire season has now seen 100,000 square kilometres of land scorched as blazes continue to burn out of control across the entire country.

The total area burned is roughly the size of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Michigan combined. 

Canada surpassed the record set in 1989 for total area burned in one season on June 27 when the figure totalled 76,000 square kilometres, and communities have faced evacuation orders, heat warnings and poor air quality for months.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says the majority of blazes are now in Western Canada, and British Columbia has the greatest number with 373 active fires. 

Based on forecasted conditions, Natural Resources Canada expects the wildfire season will continue to be unusually intense throughout July and into August. 

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

14h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

15h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

23h ago

Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair says the good news is that conditions are expected to improve significantly in Eastern Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2023.

The Canadian Press