Second worst wildfire season on record in Canada

It’s officially the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history.

The amount of hectares burned this summer equates to the size of New Brunswick.

Emergency Management minister Eleanor Olszewski says that’s about double the usual average.

“The National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level is at Level 5, that means firefighters and equipment are in use in every province and territory in Canada,” said Olszewski.

There are over 700 active wildfires burning in Canada, so far 7.8 million hectares have burned this year.

Corey Hogan, parliamentary secretary to the minister of energy and natural resources says the risk will continue through August for most regions.

“In September, shorter days and cooler temperatures will lead to reduced risk in Northern regions, but that risk will remain for the West,” said Hogan.

Ottawa also announced more wildland firefighting training for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.