The 2024 Canadian wildfires have been one of the most significant and widespread fire seasons in recent Canadian history, following closely on the heels of the record-setting 2023 wildfires. Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding the extent, impact, and key areas affected by these wildfires.
When and Where the Fires Began
The 2024 wildfire season in Canada began early, with some fires re-igniting as early as February 2024. These fires were remnants of the 2023 wildfires that had smoldered through the winter, particularly in Western Canada. By early May, large wildfires had broken out in Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba, with subsequent significant fires in Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador[1][3][5].
Affected Regions
Alberta
Fires in Alberta were particularly notable around Fort McMurray, a region that had previously been devastated by the 2016 Horse River wildfire. In mid-May, wildfires began to encroach on Fort McMurray, leading to the evacuation of several neighborhoods and the deployment of Canadian Forces soldiers. Despite the severity, the current fires were different from the 2016 blaze, burning along the surface and through muskeg, which generated significant smoke but had less fuel than the previous fire[1][2].
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued evacuation alerts, and about 6,600 residents were affected before the orders were lifted on May 18[1].
British Columbia
The northeastern community of Fort Nelson and the Fort Nelson First Nation were forced to evacuate due to the Parker Lake wildfire. Over 4,500 people were displaced, and they were able to return on May 27. The fires in this region caused significant damage, including the destruction of ten properties and four homes, and impacted culturally significant areas near Snake River[1][3].
Other notable fires included the Patry Creek fire and the Dogtooth Forest Service Road fire, which destroyed several structures in Golden[1].
Manitoba
Manitoba experienced significant fires, with 266,000 hectares of forest burned, exceeding the 2023 total. The first wildfire was detected on April 8, and by May, fires in the northwest forced the evacuations of Cranberry Portage and nearby areas. These fires destroyed residences, cottages, and garages before being brought under control[1][2].
Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories
Both regions saw extensive fire activity, with the Northwest Territories contributing the highest number of fires of any region in Canada through August. Large fires developed across Saskatchewan, particularly in August, contributing to high carbon emissions[1][3][5].
Other Provinces and Territories
Fires also affected Quebec, Labrador, Ontario, and the Yukon. In late May, fire activity picked up in Quebec and Labrador, leading to evacuations in Churchill Falls and increased fire activity in the Northwest Territories and Yukon[5].
Impact and Statistics
Total Fires and Area Burned: As of November 20, 2024, there were 5,686 fires recorded, burning a total of 5.378 million hectares (13.29 million acres)[1][5].
Evacuations: Over 50,000 people were evacuated due to the wildfires[1].
Structures Destroyed: A total of 396 structures were destroyed, including homes, cottages, and other buildings[1].
Fatalities: One firefighter and one helicopter pilot died directly and indirectly due to the wildfires[1].
Carbon Emissions: The 2024 season is set to have the second-highest carbon emissions since measurements began in 2003, behind only the 2023 season[1][3].
Fire Behavior and Challenges
Overwintering Fires: Many fires had been smoldering underground through the winter, making them difficult to detect and extinguish, especially with snow obscuring thermal signatures[1].
Drought and Dry Conditions: Northeast British Columbia experienced extensive drought and a very dry winter, contributing to the early start of the fire season[1].
Firefighting Efforts: Firefighters faced challenges due to the remote locations and the nature of the fires, which often burned along the surface and through muskeg[2].
Conclusion
The 2024 Canadian wildfires have been a significant event, affecting multiple provinces and territories across the country. Here are the most important facts:
Key Facts About the 2024 Canadian Wildfires
Duration: The wildfires began as early as February 2024 and continued through November 2024[1].
Affected Regions: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, and the Yukon[1][3][5].
Total Fires and Area Burned: 5,686 fires, burning 5.378 million hectares (13.29 million acres) as of November 20, 2024[1][5].
Evacuations: Over 50,000 people were evacuated[1].
Structures Destroyed: 396 structures, including homes and other buildings[1].
Fatalities: One firefighter and one helicopter pilot died[1].
Carbon Emissions: The second-highest annual total since measurements began in 2003[1][3].
Fire Behavior: Many fires were overwintering, smoldering underground through the winter, and burning along the surface and through muskeg[1][2].
These facts highlight the extensive impact and severity of the 2024 Canadian wildfires, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and robust firefighting efforts.
