Waldbrände in Kanada
Background
Forest fires always have been a concern in the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC). They occur when vegetation, dry conditions, and other factors combine, resulting in uncontrolled flames that spread across large areas.
In 2023, forest fires in Canada during the first half of the year have affected an area of 48,000 km², compared to the area of 21,000 km² burned during an average year. Climate change is assumed to have played a significant role, creating hotter and drier conditions that increase the risk of fire ignition and spread. Lightning strikes and human activities, such as campfires and negligence, have also been contributing factors.
The impacts of forest fires are far-reaching. They pose a threat to wildlife habitats, degrade air quality, and damage watersheds. Forest fires can also affect local communities, disrupt transportation, and impact the economy, particularly the timber industry.
To combat forest fires, the provincial government and firefighting agencies have implemented specific strategies. These include advanced technologies for early detection, rapid response teams, controlled burns, and community education on fire prevention. The applied technologies include the use of satellite data, providing valuable information on fire detection, monitoring fire behavior, and assessing the extent of fire-affected areas. This satellite data plays a crucial role in early detection, enabling rapid response teams to mobilize quickly and allocate resources where they are most needed.
Exercises
- Satellite Map:
- EO Browser:
