Western Canada's Devastating Wildfires
Not wanting to be outdone on its 150th birthday, Western Canada put on its very own firework display with a smokeshow so large you can see it from space.
With over 200 fires, Canada is on track to break wildfire records.
With 28 active wildfires in Alberta, 51 in Saskatchewan and over 150 across the BC interior, things are on track for a record breaking season.
The effects arent localized to Western Canada however, with settling smoke, haze and poor air quality felt all the way in Ontario and Quebec.
With the high density of air particles in the atmosphere, the sun will be filtered and appear red at its lowest points, sunrise and sunset. This effect can produce amazing views (or photos) as light is more evenly dispersed and colors appear more vivid.
Its challenging to have a positive view about the unfolding wildfires, especially considering thousands have been displaced, evacuated or worse yet, lost their homes.
Over 9000
BC residents still out of their homes.
A staggering 845000 hectares has been burnt to the ground in British Columbia alone this year.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that wildfires have consumed more than 700 square kilometers so far this year across the province, mostly in the Cariboo region.
The loss of habitat for local wildlife is unfathomable.
Smaller animals, including birds still in nests and other young of the year won’t have a chance to escape by outrunning the fire. The impact extends down the food chain to snakes and frogs.
Bears, Deer and other large animals have the greatest chance of escaping the oncoming blaze, however their young may be abandoned in the ensuing escape.
All Wildlife is affected
The full impact won’t be known until the wildfires are over and people get back into the areas currently closed off due to fire danger.
What can you do?
Many organizations are in place to help those affected.
The Red Cross is collecting donations for those affected by the fire. To make a $10 donation by phone, text “FIRES” to 45678.
Non-profit charities such as Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers accepts large and small mammals for rehabilitation and release, while typically sending birds south to facilities such as OWL (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) in Delta and Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. in Burnaby. All of which would benefit greatly from donations.
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