Wildfire roundup: A look at what's burning across the country and who's affected

yahoo news ^ | 06/06/23 | By Emily Blake in Yellowknife

[P.O.E.]

Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair has said images of wildfires burning across Canada are some of the most severe ever witnessed in the country and the forecast for the next few months indicates the potential for continued higher-than-normal fire activity.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre says there are 415 fires currently burning. About 2,285 fires have burned 37,000 square kilometres so far this year

Here's a look at the current wildfire situation as of Tuesday afternoon:

NOVA SCOTIA

There are five active wildfires. The province has recorded 212 so far this year, about double the number in an average year. About 267 square kilometres have burned.

A fire that broke out at the end of May in suburban Halifax destroyed about 200 structures, including 151 homes. About 16,500 people were initially forced from their homes and the city says about 4,100 residents remain displaced.

A fire in Shelburne County in southwestern Nova Scotia, considered the largest in the province's history at around 250 square kilometres, is still out of control. The province says 150 structures had been lost, including an estimated 60 homes.

[bgill]

Doubt the huge increase in fires has anything to do with Mother Nature.

[John W]

Seemed pretty hazy in The Bronx on TV.

[KosmicKitty]

Very heavy smoke/haze here in Connecticut.

I could smell burning wood. Had to stay inside due to my asthma. Not fun.

[stonehouse01]

I stayed inside as well; it may be “tinfoil” however I am suspicious that the origin of these fires was orchestrated.

Could lightning strike at the same time in all of these vast areas to set these dense dry woods off? (rhetorical question)