A rapidly spreading wildfire near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island has grown to nearly 1,400 hectares since being discovered on Aug. 11, according to CCTV News. As of 2:00 pm local time on August 12, the blaze remains "out of control."
The wildfire has caused power outages for over 500 households in the surrounding area, as reported by the local utility company. Currently, British Columbia is battling 95 active wildfires.
Canada's wildfire season typically runs from May to September. Though this year's season is not yet over, it has already become the second-worst on record in terms of fire severity.
Scientists attribute the surge in wildfires to climate change, which is extending fire seasons and drying out landscapes, BBC reports. Multiple provinces along Canada's Atlantic coast are also at risk. In Newfoundland and Labrador, military and coast guard personnel have been deployed, with over 10,000 people evacuated or under evacuation orders. States of emergency have been declared in areas including South Conception Bay and Paradise.
The most severe fires are concentrated in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, while British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario are experiencing wildfire activity far above the 25-year average.
Related News:
France battles largest wildfire in 80 years, burning area equivalent to 1.6 times Paris
Watch This | California wildfire rages on, scorching over 80,000 acres
Comment