The recent wildfires in Fort McMurray have prompted a necessary discussion about how changing temperatures in Canada are affecting (and will affect) our cities and population. Over 80 000 residents have been evacuated from Fort McMurray and as the fire spreads closer to other towns, this number will only rise.
This wildfire is the most recent in the increasing number of wildfires in Alberta. In 2015, over 491 000 hectares of land in Alberta were ravaged by wildfire, which is a significant increase from the average 179 000 from the previous decade.
Tree Species Adapting to Wildfires
The type of forest and tree species prominent in Northern Alberta are partly responsible for allowing the Fort McMurray fire to spread so quickly. White spruce, black spruce, aspen, and pine trees are plentiful in this region. These species have adapted over time to rely on fire for growth. The seeds are protected in fires and their cones have adapted to open up after burning, allowing the seeds to thrive in the rich soil of burn sites.
Because these species are so well adapted to fires, if they are ignited, they burn easily and quickly spread fire throughout a forest. This is part of the reason the wildfires in Fort McMurray have traveled so quickly.
The Effect of the Climate and Temperatures
Drought and unseasonably high temperatures contribute to this ignition and pace of spreading as well. Northern Alberta experienced a dry winter and this spring have had shockingly high temperatures – as high as 32 degrees Celsius. These circumstances have created a dry forest, making these already flammable trees comparable to fire tinder. The wind shifts on Wednesday further helped this fire spread to more than five times its size on Tuesday.
The Fort McMurray fire has jumped highways and rivers with astounding speed. The climate, weather, and tree species have allowed this wildfire to burn uncontrollably, displacing thousands of people and causing millions in damage.
It’s important to remember that as we try to adapt to the changing climate, tree species are doing the same thing. We will continue to be affected by these natural processes as they worsen. Focusing on which tree species we plant in different areas will become crucial in the future.
Want to help?
If you want to help those affected by the Fort McMurray fire, please donate to the Red Cross by clicking the link below. The Alberta Government will be matching donations made to the Red Cross to support its population.
Click here to visit the Red Cross donation page for Fort McMurray.