Overview 2023: STANDING TOGETHER
BY HEATHER SIMPSON
Canada faced extraordinary challenges in 2023 as wildfires raged across the nation, shattering records and pushing resources to their limits. As temperatures soared and the relentless flames burned hectares of land, the country bore witness to a remarkable display of national and international solidarity, the undeniable impact of climate change, and the fortitude of its fire management community. In the eye of this unprecedented storm stands the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), an organization with more than 40 years of experience co-ordinating wildfire management resource movement across the country. This year has proven to be unlike any other in CIFFC’s history.
As autumn approached, Canadians finally began to comprehend the magnitude of what had transpired. The estimate of the national hectares burned by fire exceeded 17 million (42 million acres), a number that may still evolve as more accurate mapping becomes available. That the previous record of ~7.5 million, set in 1989, was shattered in June speaks volumes to the magnitude of the season. For perspective, this year’s burned area surpassed the combined landmass of Switzerland and Greece, akin to the size of Uruguay or the state of Florida.
While wildfires are a natural part of Canada’s ecosystem, the scale of the resource demand this season was unparalleled, quickly challenging national capacity. Resource demands were initiated in Alberta, where an early and aggressive spring fire season forced the province to declare a provincial state of emergency on May 6. Unusually high temperatures coupled with strong winds and a lack of precipitation set the stage for a record-breaking season.
Alberta was not alone in facing unprecedented challenges. Six of CIFFC’s 13 member agencies (provinces and territories) saw their burn areas exceed their 10-year averages by factors ranging from five to 30 times. Member agencies that didn’t have record-breaking seasons were often unable to offer extensive assistance to their neighbours. Canadian parks were not spared either, as Parks Canada faced a consistently high fire load that produced six times the 10-year average burn areas.
Quebec experienced a remarkable season, with a colossal hectare-burned record that surpassed the combined totals of the previous two decades. As swaths of Quebec burned, there were widespread evacuations. Smoke from Quebec and other regions blanketed cities to the south, causing air quality concerns, event cancellations, and flight delays.
In Nova Scotia, one blaze became the province’s most damaging, resulting in the evacuation of thousands and the loss of more than 200 homes near the provincial capital, Halifax; another became the province’s largest wildfire on record.
On the west coast, British Columbia grappled with a strong start to the season in the north. This included the Donnie Creek wildfire, which gained notoriety as it became the province’s largest fire on record and claimed a firefighter’s life. The fire season in British Columbia had not let up by late summer. There were numerous notable fires, significant structure loss, and evacuation alerts and orders continued into early autumn.
The Northwest Territories bore the brunt of extreme spring conditions that persisted through the summer. Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories, located just 145 kilometres (90 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, experienced a scorching 37.4 C (99.3 F) day on July 8, marking the northernmost occurrence of a ~100 F temperature ever recorded in North America. This is one example of the unprecedented heat and extremes expected to occur with climate change– extremes that have been too common this wildfire season, especially in the northern regions.
This year, temperature records across the north were shattered. Persistent drought and successive windy days caused structure loss and widespread evacuations of the Northwest Territories majority Indigenous population, including the capital city, Yellowknife. Regrettably, history tells us that more than 40 per cent of wildfire evacuations in Canada involve Indigenous communities. This year, the wildfire crisis disproportionately affected Indigenous populations nationwide, underscoring the critical need for culturally sensitive evacuation and support efforts. The wildfire emergency highlighted the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities and respecting their traditional knowledge.
As autumn approached, Canadians finally began to comprehend the magnitude of what had transpired. The estimate of the national hectares burned by fire exceeded 17 million (42 million acres), a number that may still evolve as more accurate mapping becomes available.
As part of ongoing efforts, CIFFC, through the national FireSmart™ program, worked hand in hand with member agencies to engage with communities to enhance their preparedness and resilience against wildfires. Educational outreach programs play a pivotal role in ensuring residents understand the importance of creating defensible spaces and having evacuation plans in place. These efforts prove invaluable as communities face evacuations and the looming threat of approaching flames. The expanding wildland-urban interface presents new challenges, necessitating a re-evaluation of fire management strategies. The need for investment in wildfire prevention and preparedness through programs like FireSmart, becomes evident. Strengthening these initiatives is crucial to mitigating the impact of future wildfire seasons.
Canada’s 2023 wildfire season has been truly historic, a fact underscored by the CIFFC National Preparedness Level (NPL). For 120 consecutive days, the NPL remained at its highest level, NPL5, indicating extreme wildland fire activity and resource demand. During NPL5, national and international resources were fully mobilized to combat the fires. The 120-day duration of NPL5 far exceeded recent significant seasons, with CIFFC spending 50 days at NPL5 in 2021, 29 days in 2018, and 55 days in 2017. Although the situation had improved by mid-September, active wildfires persisted, evacuations were still happening, and numerous personnel remained deployed.
Canada’s member organizations played a pivotal role in addressing the crisis. CIFFC is a not-forprofit corporation owned and operated by federal, provincial, and territorial wildland fire management agencies, dedicated to co-ordinating resource sharing, mutual aid, and information exchange. In the face of the 2023 wildfire season, CIFFC’s member agencies took center stage in the response effort. Their commitment and collaboration with different agencies and nations showcased their dedication to protecting the country from the devastating effects of wildfires.
CIFFC is grateful for the momentous international assistance this season. Some partnerships have been longstanding, such as that with the United States, which has existed since with since 1982. Before the 2023 fire season, CIFFC also had agreements with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and Costa Rica. This summer, Natural Resources Canada finalized negotiations with Portugal for a permanent arrangement, and CIFFC negotiated interim agreements with Chile, France, Spain, Korea, and Brazil. This international assistance showcased the goodwill and collaboration that can emerge during times of need. Negotiating these agreements and coordinating international efforts was a remarkable achievement, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations in addressing climate-related challenges.
Throughout the season, fire management personnel demonstrated exceptional courage and unwavering dedication; they battled fatigue and adverse conditions, often working extended hours on the frontlines and behind the scenes.
There was an outpouring of multi-agency cooperation and assistance during this fire season. The Canadian military joined the action, providing crucial logistical support. CIFFC member agencies worked alongside structural firefighters, police, and other emergency staff and volunteers. All member agencies and partners strive to swiftly respond to the Canadian public to manage crises effectively. Evacuations were frequent, showcasing the importance of preparedness and the need for continued public education.
Unfortunately, this season comes at a cost to our fire management personnel. While there is a sense of camaraderie in this line of work, fire management personnel have made untold sacrifices. They have sacrificed their summer and time with friends and families. We know that stress and cumulative fatigue will impact mental and physical health. There were injuries, and tragically, eight of our colleagues lost their lives. These sacrifices underscore the significance of supporting and honouring those who safeguard our forests and communities. CIFFC had the solemn responsibility of honorary host of the 2023 Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation ceremony in Ottawa. Part of this ceremony was honouring a Manitoba firefighter who was killed during the 2022 season. This ceremony serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those on the frontlines. As we shift our efforts to recovery, we cannot lose focus on our fire management personnel’s mental and physical health.
As the 2023 wildfire season draws to a close, CIFFC reflects on the lessons learned. Enhanced interagency co-operation, improved resource allocation, technological advancements, and community engagement will be instrumental in future wildfire management. CIFFC also emphasizes the importance of integrated fire management as a long-term strategy to mitigate the severity of future fire seasons. Invaluable insights have been gained, ensuring that Canada stands better prepared to confront the challenges of future wildfire seasons. Together, we can safeguard our forests, communities, and the natural beauty of our remarkable nation.
As the 2023 wildfire season draws to a close, CIFFC reflects on the lessons learned. Enhanced interagency co-operation, improved resource allocation, technological advancements, and community engagement will be instrumental in future wildfire management. CIFFC also emphasizes the importance of integrated fire management as a long-term strategy to mitigate the severity of future fire seasons. Invaluable insights have been gained, ensuring that Canada stands better prepared to confront the challenges of future wildfire seasons. Together, we can safeguard our forests, communities, and the natural beauty of our remarkable nation.
