Alberta is one of the most fire-prone provinces in Canada. As a result, it’s been hit with many wildfires in recent years.
They’re also getting more dangerous and costing more money to fight. The fires in Fort McMurray this year, for example, caused an estimated $9 billion in damages to insurers.
High-intensity fires
A number of studies have reported an increase in high-intensity fires (fires that cause extensive loss of vegetation) over the past few decades. This is especially true in the boreal region of Canada, where wildfires are a common occurrence. The increase is due to increased fire-prone weather and fuel availability, with a higher number of lightning strikes than in the past [22, 24].
Although the frequency and intensity of fires vary from year to year, high-intensity fires are becoming more common across western Canada. These fires can cause major damage to forests and ecosystems, and they also have a negative impact on human health.
As a result, many governments are attempting to limit these fires. However, they are not always successful. A large wildfire in Alberta, Canada, burned 280,000 hectares of land in May and June, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people.
The onset of these fires is triggered by hot, dry weather. This causes a build-up of smoke in the atmosphere, which can travel for hundreds of miles before it disappears.
This is a major concern because the smoke can have a negative effect on air quality in other regions, including cities that are thousands of miles away from the fires. It also can harm health by causing respiratory problems and asthma attacks.
These fires are particularly dangerous because they occur during drought years and can spread rapidly. They can also lead to catastrophic flooding if they reach waterways.
In April 1980, an unusually high pressure over Alberta and other parts of Canada led to an exceptionally high number of wildfires in the area. The fires were also accompanied by a very hot surface temperature and a high amount of soil moisture, which is evidence of abnormal atmospheric conditions at the surface over Canada and Alberta.
To determine whether the occurrence of high-intensity fires in this area is related to climate, we compared the numbers of wildfires in April with data from the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI). We used ONI for 1980 to 2016 as a reference.
Atmospheric pollution
The burning of natural fuels such as wood, coal and petroleum produces many pollutants including soot, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide that are deposited into the atmosphere. These pollutants can include ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
The wildfires in Alberta have been emitting air pollution for weeks and the health effects of the smoke are a concern. Smoke can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory illness, asthma and cardiovascular disease. The smoke can also affect pregnant women and their unborn babies as it can interfere with the ability of the fetus to develop properly.
A large portion of the emissions from the wildfires are in the form of aerosols, which are clouds of particles that are suspended in a gas or solid state. These aerosols can include ash, dust, pollen, mold spores and other airborne chemicals.
Atmospheric particles that are smaller than a certain size, such as PM2.5, are particularly harmful to human health. They can penetrate lung membranes and pass into the bloodstream, causing breathing problems, heart attacks and other health concerns.
Particulate matter in the air can be from a number of sources, including vehicles, factories, power plants and industrial processes. Among these are car exhaust and smoke from burning fossil fuels.
Another major source of air pollution is the burning of waste. The production of waste by industry and households can produce a wide range of toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, sulphur dioxide, mercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other substances that may be inhaled by people.
Air pollution from human activities is a significant cause of global health problems. It is the leading cause of premature death and has been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes.
The amount of smog and PM2.5 that is produced by the burning of natural fuels and human activities depends on the type of fuel used, weather conditions and other factors. Smog forms haze and reduces visibility, which can lead to reduced productivity and higher medical costs for people living in areas where smog is present.
Health impacts
In the spring of 2016, an enormous wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada destroyed many homes and forced residents to evacuate. The fire also contaminated the air and water. The fire released thousands of small toxic particles into the air, which affected people's health.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, fires have been known to be a risk factor for lung cancer and brain tumors. The research shows that the risk of these diseases is higher in people who live near a wildfire, especially in rural areas.
The smoke from the wildfires contains many contaminants, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). As a result, the air is more toxic than usual.
Moreover, the toxins are likely to stay in the ash and soil for long periods of time, which will lead to further health effects. The fire also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is a major cause of global warming.
In addition, the ash from the fire will contaminate the Athabasca river and the surrounding environment. These contaminants can be harmful for aquatic life.
As a result, the researchers will be taking samples of the Athabasca river to assess the damage. They will try to determine whether the toxins are still there and what affect they have on fish and other aquatic organisms.
They will also try to estimate the CO2 emissions from the fires. They expect the ashes to release about a few million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
This is a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide. However, it is not enough to make a significant difference on the Earth's climate system.
The study will help researchers to understand how the toxins from the wildfires will affect the future health of people in the region. They will be able to better prepare for future disasters.
Several factors may be associated with the psychological impacts of natural disasters, including pre-existing mental health problems, individual resilience, severity of the disaster, and involvement in the process. These factors can affect the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in disaster-impacted individuals.
Damage to property
The Fort McMurray wildfires in May 2016 displaced more than 90,000 people from Alberta’s oilsands community of Fort McMurray and destroyed more than 2,400 homes. In a recent report, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) said the damage from the wildfires in Fort McMurray was the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history. The IBC says the amount of insured property damage, estimated at $3.58 billion, is more than double the previous costliest natural disaster – the 2013 southern Alberta floods – which cost $1.7 billion in insurance claims.
The insurance industry in Canada is on the ground in Fort McMurray and throughout the region, working with local communities to help residents recover and rebuild after the wildfires. The IBC and Canada’s insurers stand ready to help residents and businesses as long as needed.
While wildfires can’t be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk of losing property in a fire. Keeping your property safe from fires starts with ensuring all combustible materials are stored properly. This includes avoiding storage next to structures and within 30 metres of any trees or evergreens.
Also, you should make sure all attic vents and soffits are tightly closed and that any gaps around doors or windows are sealed up with duct tape or 3-millimetre metal mesh screening. Additionally, ensure all burning embers are kept away from homes and outbuildings.
In addition, you should be aware of current fire bans and restrictions in your area. These are lowered or raised depending on the weather and drought conditions in your area, as well as the risks of wildfires.
Regardless of whether you live in an urban or rural area, it’s important to know what kind of fire bans, restrictions and advisories are in place. These can be found on the Alberta Fire Bans website.
If you’re planning to have a campfire, remember that open fires are prohibited in most areas of the province. You can still have a fire on a campsite, but always ensure it’s away from overhanging trees and other flammable materials. You should also extinguish the fire once it’s complete.
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