In the past five years, the province has typically experienced fewer than 100 wildfires per season. However, this year has seen a significant increase, with the number of wildfires reaching 216 so far. Grand Falls-Windsor fire Chief Vince MacKenzie, with 42 years of experience, noted the changing landscape of wildfires, mentioning that fire season is beginning earlier, lasting longer, and intensifying more each year.
MacKenzie highlighted the proximity of a large out-of-control wildfire in Martin Lake, located approximately 16 kilometers north of his community. The fire at Martin Lake had already consumed 2,160 hectares by Thursday morning. He emphasized that hotter and drier conditions are escalating the fire risk, with climate change playing a significant role in this trend.
According to MacKenzie, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs has been actively advocating for increased awareness of climate change and its impact on firefighting efforts. MacKenzie mentioned that wildfires are becoming synonymous with the Canadian summer season, a correlation supported by research conducted by Kaitlyn Trudeau at Climate Central.
Trudeau’s research at Climate Central focuses on climate attribution, which aims to establish a connection between weather events and human-induced climate change. By comparing current weather conditions with a hypothetical world without greenhouse gases, Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index indicates that climate change has made fire conditions in Newfoundland at least five times more probable.
Trudeau emphasized the need for public awareness and understanding of the role of greenhouse gases in exacerbating extreme weather conditions. The current wildfire situation in Newfoundland and Labrador, with 216 wildfires recorded compared to the previous average of fewer than 100 per season, is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on fire behavior.
Both MacKenzie and Trudeau stressed the importance of preparedness and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of wildfires. MacKenzie recommended clearing eavestroughs and maintaining lawns to reduce combustible materials around homes. However, he acknowledged that the current wildfire scenario is far from normal and ultimately relies on weather conditions, particularly significant rainfall, to bring these events under control.
