![]() ![]() They kill off invasive insects and parasites that can damage certain tree species. Fires are known to act as a natural form of pest control.If exposed to heat from a wildfire, the cones may open, setting the seeds free.¹ Select tree species, such as the lodgepole and jack pine, reproduce from the dispersal of seeds stored in their cones. ![]() Nutrients stored in plants are released when vegetation burns, enriching the soil’s fertility (i.e., nutrient cycling).Clearing out fallen trees, dead vegetation and underbrush allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and penetrate the top layer of soil to stimulate new plant growth.¹.Positive aspects of fires include, but are not limited to: Yet, in a natural sense, forest fires are essential for maintaining the overall health of forest ecosystems. Humans, for whatever reason, like to locate themselves in fire-prone regions and we often engage in activities that-intentionally or not-ignite fires.Įvery spring in boreal forests (such as in central and southern Quebec), there’s a small window of opportunity where dead vegetation leftover from the previous year can dry out sufficiently enough, that if there is an ignition source, such as lightning or human activity, an uncontained fire can multiply its burn area on the turn of a dime placing countless lives and property in danger. Yet, neither of these mindsets reflect reality. Compounding this mindset is the idea that before humans came along and meddled with the climate, nature was in perfect harmony with itself. We’ll keep working – here at home and with partners around the world – to tackle climate change and address its impacts.- Justin Trudeau June 7, 2023Ĭonsidering that wildfires negatively impact both human life and property, it’s easy to speculate that people are given the impression forest fires are unnatural in occurrence and must be put out or all-out prevented. These fires are affecting everyday routines, lives and livelihoods, and our air quality. We’re seeing more and more of these fires because of climate change. Indeed, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau Tweeted that “We’re seeing more and more of these fires because of climate change.” If he bothered to do any research, the Canadian government’s own data begs to differ with that assertion, but we will dive into the nuts and bolts later. One can’t be faulted for being alarmed, or at the very least, caught off-guard by the undiluted veil of smoke.Īs usual, a flurry of politicians, journalists and environmental activists began blaming the fires on human-caused climate change. It was the worst air quality that the northeastern United States had observed in at least 50-years. The smoke was so thick that New York City registered the worst air quality of any major city in the world on June 7ᵗʰ, and it’s a no brainer as to why from the header image above. Forest fires burning in Quebec sent plumes of smoke south into New England and Mid-Atlantic, blanketing the sky over densely populated areas with thick orange haze, resembling imagery akin to a disaster film. That’s what made the week of June 4-9ᵗʰ very unusual in the northeast. Scenes of smoke-filled skies and fire crews working around the clock to snuff out flames might be common in Mediterranean California, but for us east coast dwellers, scary sights like this are only seen on our television and cellphone screens from the comfort of our homes. Those of us who reside on the east coast are fortunate enough to not have to face forest fires or their associated hazards on a routine basis. A view of the Empire State Building in New York City from the EarthCam network on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 7ᵗʰ. ![]()
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