OTTAWA: Canada is grappling with a devastating spring wildfire season as massive and uncontrollable blazes continue to ravage different regions of the country, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the widespread nature of the fires, referring to the nation’s vastness, stretching from coast to coast to coast.
On Friday, approximately 10,000 residents of Sept Iles in Quebec were ordered to evacuate as wildfires rapidly advanced overnight. Steve Beaupre, the mayor of the small city located on the St. Lawrence River, declared a local state of emergency and announced the mandatory evacuation.
The residents were instructed to vacate their homes by 4 pm local time. Stephane Lauzon, a Quebec member of Parliament, estimated that as many as 10,000 residents, equivalent to one-third of Sept Iles’ population, would be displaced.
This evacuation followed Thursday’s displacement of 500 residents from Chapais, located in the northern part of the province. Lauzon stated that the situation in Quebec is rapidly evolving, with about 100 fires, including approximately 20 out of control, currently burning in the province.
Extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent and severe in Canada in recent years, a consequence of global warming. As of Friday, over 210 fires were raging across the country, scorching more than 2.7 million hectares (6.7 million acres). Prior to Friday’s evacuation order, a total of 29,000 people had already been displaced.
Focus of Firefighting Efforts Shift to Canada
After major wildfires in western provinces, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, in May, the focus of firefighting efforts shifted to Nova Scotia on the Atlantic coast. Officials are hopeful that the predicted rain and cooler temperatures over the weekend, following a record-breaking heatwave, will provide some relief. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston emphasized the need for rainfall, expressing hope that it would come in sufficient amounts.
To bolster firefighting efforts, nearly 1,000 firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States have arrived or are en route to Canada. The Canadian military is also being deployed in Nova Scotia and Quebec to provide assistance.
In Halifax, the largest city in Nova Scotia, busloads of suburban residents were taken on tours to witness the devastation in their neighborhoods. Videos captured their reactions as they observed the destruction, with some recognizing their burned or melted belongings.
Several homes, a wooden bridge, and a historic private club have been destroyed, displacing nearly 20,000 residents in Nova Scotia. While some were allowed to return home after more than a week away, many are still coming to terms with the loss of their properties and possessions.
Despite the despair caused by the fires, there have been no reported deaths, missing persons, or serious injuries, providing a small glimmer of solace amidst the extensive devastation.
