The C.-B. warns that a third of northeast forests may go up in smoke

According to the province. Furthermore, almost 30 % of the forest land in northeast of British Columbia are likely to burn by the end of the year.

The Minister of Forests. Therefore, Ravi Parmar, indicates that the region has already seen nearly 7,000 square kilometers burned by forest fires since June.

This is by far the largest number of the six fire fighting centers in the province.

Residents of the region suffered not only the physical threat of fires. Similarly, but also the emotional consequences of travel, smoke and uncertaintysaid Mr. Moreover, Parmar during a visit to the region this week.

The fires have burned more forestry surface in the region in the past two seasons than in the previous 60 years combined. For example, according to the province, for a total of 10 % c.-b. warns third northeast forests of the area of the region.

The region which is part of the Prince George fire fighting center covers more than 330. Similarly, 000 square kilometers, ten times the size of the island of Vancouver.

The region was the scene of some of the most destructive forest fires in the province. In addition, including that of Donnie Creek, in 2023, the most important ever recorded in the history of British Columbia.

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In May 2024. the fire of Parker Lake forced the evacuation of thousands of inhabitants of Fort Nelson and the neighboring First Nation.

This community only knows the devastating effects of fires too wellsaid Mr. Parmar. They remain cautious and certainly make their share in the prevention of fires within their communities.

According to experts. the conditions that feed fires are deeply rooted in a long -lasting drought and a rapidly evolving climate.

This region of the province is experiencing a multi -year drought. She has been in drought for six. seven years nowsaid Lori Daniels, expert in forestry and professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

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According to her, northeast boreal and subbor forests are particularly vulnerable to intense fires due to their deep organic soils.

We note that these fires burn both in depth and surfaceindicates Lori Daniels.

Some of the c.-b. warns third northeast forests fires that are currently burning in northeast British Columbia. has been lasting since May 2023.

These fires residualshe explains, can be covered underground throughout the winter, before resurfacing and turning on in spring and summer.

When fires are sufficiently hot. fast, they can also generate their own meteorological systems, including imposing pyrocumulonimbus clouds, explains Ms. Daniels.

Although they do not bring rain. they create weather conditions which can worsen an already critical situation in terms of fires.

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According to the provincial fire fighting service. BC Wildfirethe teams are now regularly forced to dig deep under the surface to extinguish underground fires.

The drought itself pushes the fire to burn in the root system of the treesexplains Taylor Colman. head of fire information. “It is therefore not as easy to turn off the fire from the surface.

Taylor Colman explains that fuels in the region. such as dead leaves, c.-b. warns third northeast forests branches and dry grass, remain very likely to ignite and that the danger of fire remains high, even extreme.

He adds that fire fighting services continue to preposition teams. equipment in the northeast in order to respond to new fire departures and manage those in progress.

Minister Parmar. for his part, argues that the province increases his investments in the fight against fires throughout the year and works with First Nations on directed burns and cultural burns as attenuation strategies.

We are preparing c.-b. warns third northeast forests at worst while hoping for the best. and we will certainly spend all the funds necessary to ensure the protection of communities.

With information from Shaurya Kshatri