Nova Scotia Wildfires: Impacts on Community and Forestry
By Noah Sferrazza Papa, NSEN Journalism Volunteer
The wildfires of May 2023 that swept through the southwestern part of the province and the Halifax area have captured widespread attention and left many feeling uneasy. The fires expanded to over 235 square kilometers, causing approximately 16,000 individuals to evacuate their residences. Wildfires, fueled by a combination of dry conditions and high temperatures, ravaged through the southwestern corner and the Halifax area. In this blog post, I will delve into the Nova Scotia wildfires of 2023, exploring their consequences on both the people and the province's precious and unique forests.
Astronauts on the International Space Station captured a photograph of the fire on May 31st in the Shelburne-Barrington area (NASA, 2023).
Nova Scotia is no stranger to wildfires and the havoc they can wreak. Yet, the wildfires that occurred in the early summer of 2023 were unprecedented and of a magnitude unseen in the province’s history. Nova Scotia has a relatively wet climate, thus the number of fires that typically occur in an average season is low compared to drier provinces. However, in April 2023, Nova Scotia received only half the typical rainfall it usually gets (Cassidy, 2023). In addition, May is usually the busiest month for wildfire activity since vegetation hasn't fully come out of dormancy and begun to grow. The moisture content of these fuels is low, making vegetation more flammable.
Looking back at the Nova Scotia wildfires of 2023, which left in their wake the destruction of more than 200 structures and the scorching of over 250 square kilometers of forest area, the prevailing concern shifts from 'if' to 'when' and 'how much worse' this devastating scenario might repeat in the following fire seasons. As the province rebuilds, it must also reflect on the importance of sustainable forestry practices and strategies to mitigate the impact of future wildfires.
Limited precipitation and a lack of moisture in vegetation, the conditions in Nova Scotia's forests are a recipe for a highly combustible, fuel-filled fire.
Impact on Nova Scotia Forestry
Nova Scotia's forests are vital to its ecological balance. These wildfires not only consumed large areas of forest but also threatened the habitats of many wildlife species. The long-term consequences of disrupted ecosystems in the May 2023 fires are still being assessed by scientists. Given the recency of these fires, comprehensive peer-reviewed scientific analysis of the incident remains unavailable at this time. Yet, the forests of Nova Scotia have experienced fire disturbances for centuries, with a history of both natural and human-caused fires. These repeated fires maintained a state of forest loss, with each fire leading to significant changes in forest composition. However, the absence of widespread fires left the tree populations in near equilibrium for most of the past 6,000 years. Natural fires in Nova Scotia have been relatively infrequent, and their occurrence is influenced by climatic conditions (Taylor et al., 2020).
The Western ecoregion of Nova Scotia (Annapolis Valley & coastline along the Bay of Fundy) is known for its high fire frequency, with overstory fires playing a significant role in shaping the landscape. Fire-adapted tree species, such as pine and birch, are evidence of fire's historical impact on forest composition. The fire history varies by ecoregion, with the Eastern and Western regions experiencing more significant fire occurrences compared to others (Taylor et al., 2020).
Changing tree species composition may decrease fire risk in the long term but potentially increase it in the short to mid- term due to weakened trees. Wind throw and coarse woody debris accumulation may further contribute to fire risk, while coniferous species removal may reduce it. The impact of climate change, characterized by rising daily temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, can significantly affect upcoming fire seasons. A rise in fire-related indices indicated a drying trend and an escalation in fire severity and intensity (Whitman et al., 2015). The effects of climate change have potentially increased fire risk in Nova Scotia and are on pace to drive worsening conditions for future fire seasons in the province.
Community Impact
As wildfires raged throughout the province, the safety of Nova Scotia's residents took priority for the provincial government and fire officials. Evacuations were ordered in several communities, and 16,000 individuals (CTV, 2023) were temporarily displaced from their homes. For these residents, the emotional toll of leaving behind one's home, business, and community is immeasurable, unaccompanied of any assurance their property and belongings would still be there when they returned.
The smoke from the wildfires resulted in poor air quality and health concerns for residents around Nova Scotia, causing many residents to wear masks and stay indoors to protect themselves. Anyone with pre-existing respiratory conditions was particularly vulnerable at this time, including the elderly and children.
The physical fire itself was a great threat to residents but also the fire crews actively and pro-actively managing the fire. Steep and uneven rugged terrain along with densely forested areas can exacerbate an already dangerous situation, leading to a higher level of risk. Wildland firefighters, with a pair of boots, hardhat, and nomex coveralls are put up against a wildfire that can change at any moment with wind, temperature, humidity, and moisture.
The trauma experienced by first responders and community members is long lasting. Individuals witnessing flames destroying their community cannot be healed easily. Long after fires were contained, the associated anxiety haunts those affected. The images of charred homes and businesses, along with close encounters of disaster have made a lasting impression on impacted Nova Scotians.
The devastating wildfires of May 2023 in Nova Scotia, with their unprecedented scale and impact on both communities and precious forests, serve as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change. This event has demonstrated the need for sustainable forestry practices and effective wildfire mitigation strategies. The environmental impact and long-lasting trauma experienced by all involved emphasize the urgency of preparing for and addressing future fire seasons as they may become a bigger threat in the future.
Nova Scotia must prioritize environmental resilience and community safety to mitigate the impact of evolving fire risks. Residents in forested areas must be educated to protect themselves from recurring wildfires. Crucial steps include relocating flammable materials, using non-combustible materials near homes, choosing fire-resistant trees, thinning forested zones, and adopting fire-safe practices for decks and sheds. Recommendations for new construction and regular maintenance, further enhance safety from wildfires.
The Department of Natural Resources advocates for public awareness, encouraging residents to refer to their Wildfire Brochure for guidance: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/firecentre/pdf/Wildfirebrochure2.pdf
References
Anthony R. Taylor, David A. MacLean, Peter D. Neily, Bruce Stewart, Eugene Quigley, Sean P. Basquill, Celia K. Boone, Derek Gilby, and Mark Pulsifer. (2020). A review of natural disturbances to inform implementation of ecological forestry in Nova Scotia, Canada. Environmental Reviews. 28(4): 387-414. https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2020-0015
Government of Nova Scotia (n.d.). Forest Protection. Nova Scotia Canada. https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/
Cassidy, E. S. (2023, May 31). Raging Fires in Nova Scotia. NASA Earth Observatory. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151407/raging-fires-in-nova-scotia
(2023). NASA Earth Observatory [Photograph]. NASA Earth Observatory. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151407/raging-fires-in-nova-scotia
(2023, June 13). All wildfires in Nova Scotia under control more than 2 weeks after they started. CTV News. https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/all-wildfires-in-nova-scotia-under-control-more-than-2-weeks-after-they-started-1.6439582
Cecco, L. Unprecedented’ Nova Scotia wildfires expected to worsen, officials warn. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/31/nova-scotia-wildfires-canada
Whitman, E., Sherren, K. & Rapaport, E. (2015). Increasing daily wildfire risk in the Acadian Forest Region of Nova Scotia, Canada, under future climate change. Reg Environ Change 15, 1447–1459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-014-0698-5
(2023, June 1). Multiple calls keep crews busy as Halifax-area wildfire continues to burn. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/halifax-area-wild-fire-june1-1.6861585