As the temperature rises across Canada, a significant challenge has emerged for firefighters. High overnight temperatures are causing wildfires to burn continuously, increasing pressure on fire crews.
Firefighters often conduct crucial operations under the cover of night. This includes laying out sprinklers, directly attacking smaller fires, and running heavy equipment safely. However, warmer nights have led to fires that do not slow down after dark.
“It is relentless,” shared Randy Schroeder, a fire chief in Alberta. Fires now grow and last longer than they used to in the same conditions as years past.
Typically, temperatures drop and humidity rises at night, leading to less intense fires that spread more slowly. This gives firefighters a chance to control the flames and rest before fire activity resumes in the daylight. However, climate change is altering this pattern.
As fire intensity remains high throughout the night, fire teams are adapting their strategies. Continuing operations at night has also increased the cost of fighting fires, says Mr. Schroeder, who is a former president of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. If crews cannot combat the fire after dark, they sometimes have no choice but to retreat.