Many extreme weather events have occurred in recent weeks in Canada and around the world: strong heat waves, numerous forest fires, all with strong consequences. Can we establish a link between climate change and forest fires?
To begin with, forest fires are a natural feature of the Earth system, and they are even useful for the proper functioning of many ecosystems. However, human activities are directly and indirectly altering fire regimes by changing landscapes, including clearing, deforestation, agricultural expansion, resource extraction, urban and rural development, and of course, by affecting climate.
Climate change will progressively increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves. This results in increased evaporation during dry periods, resulting in lower soil moisture and the creation of flammable biomass that can fuel more forest and brush fires.
Other causes
These climatic disturbances modify the rainfall regime and cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather, particularly tornadoes and lightning. These storms partly trigger fires and change the forest fire season. The fire season starts much earlier and ends later. It should also be noted that human negligence is an important cause of forest fires, since in the southern half of Quebec, 75% of fires are caused by humans (https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/les-forets/protection-milieu-forestier/lutte-contre-feu/).
Consequences
These forest fires have a significant impact on the health and safety of populations. Fires increase air pollution and reduce air quality. This affects people living nearby by increasing their vulnerability. Respiratory difficulties caused by emissions of carbon dioxide, fine particles, nitrogen oxide or carbon monoxide are more frequent.
Adaptation plans are now essential to improve resilience and cope with climate change to limit disasters and prevent hazards. Here are some preliminary solutions related to wildland and brush fire control:
- Maintain and develop defensive equipment;
- Conducting fire danger diagnostics related to the state of desiccation;
- Increasing surveillance patrols and preparing populations for fires as part of the Canadian government’s FireSmart[1] program;
- Actively participate in programs to acquire knowledge on the vulnerability of forests and forestry activities to climate change;
- Implementing measures to clear brush and salvage wood after a fire;
- Plant fast-growing species or varieties of trees or adapt them to the harvesting schedule
- Develop multi-functional areas to reduce travel distances.
[1] https://www.pc.gc.ca/fr/nature/science/conservation/feu-fire/feuveg-fireveg/collectivites-communities/firesmart
