WASHINGTON POST • June 7, 2023
There are 423 active fires across Canada – 246 of them out of control. Wildfires typically begin either with lightning or through human activity – for instance, when someone throws a burning cigarette on the ground in a forest, or starts an open fire nearby. They become more likely when the ground is dry and the air is hot, which is why wildfire season typically lasts throughout the summer Climate change also plays a role by causing more intense high-pressure zones. This year, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Quebec have experienced record heat. Outbreaks as widespread and numerous as these are virtually unheard of in late May into June. The amount of smoke pouring into the U.S. Northeast is also exceptional. Eastern and northeastern U.S. states had the poorest air quality early Wednesday.