Background Articles

In the face of changing climate, an updated planning tool will act as Anchorage's guide to preparing for and living with increased wildfire risk. A public comment period is open until Nov. 30.

More intense future wildfires, fueled by further climate change, could lead to 70,000 deaths from smoke exposure a year, according to a new study.

BC Hydro crews have begun assessing damage to power infrastructure in Bamfield following the Mount Underwood wildfire, but the full extent remains unknown as the fire zone is still unsafe to enter.

Areas north of Healy remained under evacuation orders though fire activity slowed since flaring to life last week. Evacuation alerts in several areas north of Fairbanks were reduced Thursday.

State fire crews began a 35-acre prescribed burn on Anchorage’s Hillside May 12 between Hilltop Ski Area and the Prospect Heights Trailhead, expecting visible smoke and temporary trail closures.

Research from the University of Alaska Fairbanks indicates that early snowmelt, driven by climate change, could lead to more extreme wildfire seasons in Alaska, with the southern regions experiencing earlier fire starts than usual.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada reports that the 2024 Jasper wildfire caused $1.2 billion in damages, making it the second costliest fire disaster in Canada.

Scientists have identified warming periods and permafrost thawing, noting that lichen destruction by fires accelerates melting, with significant temperature increases observed from 2005 to 2023.

A NOAA report reveals that Arctic tundra regions, including those in Alaska, have transitioned from carbon sinks to carbon sources due to warming permafrost and intensifying wildfires, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.

Environment Canada identified key weather events in 2024, including the devastating Jasper wildfire and significant storms leading to floods and hail damage. These events resulted in mass evacuations and substantial economic losses across Canada.

Alaska is experiencing rapid environmental changes, including record-high temperatures, shrinking sea ice, increased wildfires, and unusual wildlife patterns, such as the decline of salmon and the rise of snow goose populations.

A study reveals that large wildfires in Canada's boreal forests cause prolonged ground warming for over a decade, with implications for climate change feedback loops.

Climate change is affecting nearly every aspect of life, said Gwich’in Council International board member Evon Taa’ąįį Peter, who is Neetsaii Gwich’in and Koyukon Athabascan. For one thing, he told ICT, more than 60% of the forest lands of the Alaskan Gwich’in nation have burned in wildfires in the past 10 years. As of July 10, 582,000 acres had burned this year in 328 wildfires in Alaska. “I couldn’t open the windows of my house for seven days straight, I think, because it would just let smoke billow into my home, which was already too unhealthy for us to be outside. So most of us just had to remain indoors…so there’s definitely very real dramatic and in-our-face impacts from climate change across the state, even in (an urban area like) Fairbanks,” Peter said.

Despite a general decrease in wildfires across B.C., the Dogtooth fire near Golden has destroyed structures and prompted evacuations, contrasting with the province's improving situation.

Climate change is affecting all aspects of the northern housing industry, from the structures themselves to the transportation of materials. One way to fix the issue is to put more reliance on northern community-based knowledge..

Port Alberni bans all outdoor fires due to a heatwave and high fire risk, with fines for non-compliance until October 31, 2024.

The B.C. Wildfire Service monitors out-of-control fires amid rising temperatures, with 20 fires classified as out of control and heat warnings across the province.

Yukon likely won't see any major wildfires for at least the next month, emergency officials said at a briefing on Thursday.

If blazes break out in parts of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, firefighters will protect the layers of forest floor and permafrost that hold carbon.

The GNWT says it's earmarked $800 per resident age 18 or over and $400 for each dependent under 18. Applicants may be required to provide proof of residency in the community they live in, such as a utility bill, proof of dependents such as birth certificates, and identification like a driver's license — so if you are ordered to evacuate make sure you pack those along.