Tree thinning may worsen wildfires in Canada, scientist warns

A widely used wildfire mitigation technique — thinning trees — could exacerbate fire conditions in Canada, according to Professor Lori Daniels of the University of British Columbia.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, Daniels said the specific characteristics of Canada’s forest ecosystems mean that such interventions may have unintended consequences. “Clearing can dry out mosses and increase wind speeds, leading to a more intense spread of fire,” she said.

Canada’s vast and remote forest landscape further complicates firefighting efforts. Daniels noted that forests span approximately 537 million hectares, with many fire zones accessible only by air or via seasonal winter ice roads, limiting rapid response capabilities.

She added that wildfires are a natural component of Canada’s ecological systems and that human intervention is not always required.

Official data released by the Canadian government shows that, as of August 1, there were 66 active wildfires across the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova