Canada remains gripped by intense wildfires. The largest blaze, burning in Newfoundland and Labrador, may have destroyed up to 100 homes and structures. However, Premier John Hogan stated it remains too dangerous for rescue crews to enter the affected area near Conception Bay to confirm the exact toll, as reported by the Canadian Press.
This fire, ignited on August 3rd along the northwestern coast of Conception Bay, now spans over 80 square kilometers. Authorities have arrested a 20-year-old man accused of deliberately setting several wildfires.
While a significant fire near Moncton, New Brunswick, has been contained, leading to the lifting of evacuation orders, mandatory evacuation notices remain active for areas west of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Separately, an out-of-control fire in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley also forced evacuations. Since early summer, a total of 130 wildfires have erupted in the eastern Canadian coastal province.
The wildfire threat extends to Canada’s west coast, where a fierce blaze is impacting the south-central region of Vancouver Island. The British Columbia Wildfire Service reported flames there reached “unusually” extreme intensity levels for the area.