2023 Canadian Wildfires: Zombie Fires

What percentage increase in wildfires occurred in Canada in 2023 compared to 2022?

What is a primary factor contributing to the phenomenon of zombie fires?

How many zombie fires were reported in Alberta during the recent season?

Why are zombie fires difficult to detect?

What climatic condition over the past years has contributed to the rise of zombie fires in British Columbia and Alberta?

How often do zombie fires typically occur each year in British Columbia?

Which of the following regions is NOT mentioned as prone to zombie fires?

What typically extinguishes hidden flames before they can resurface?

2023 Canadian Wildfires: Zombie Fires

2023 Canadian wildfire season was the worst on record, with over 6,500 blazes scorching over 48 million acres, representing a 170% increase compared to 2022.
"Zombie" fires, also called "holdover" or "overwintering" fires, are wildfires that seemingly reemerge after winter due to smoldering underground.
These fires are sustained by organic matter like peat, which remains active underground.
They can ignite due to lightning or controlled burns (farmers).
Fires can remain active underground for weeks, months, or even years.
While zombie fires are common annually in British Columbia and Alberta (typically no more than 15), the 2023 season saw an increase to 93 fires in British Columbia and over 55 in Alberta.
Reduced precipitation and warmer winter temperatures (over the past three years) in British Columbia and Alberta allowed fires to persist beneath the snowpack.
Detection of zombie fires is challenging due to remote locations and lack of visible flames; they can spread undetected.
Firefighters face difficulties with frozen, snow-covered ground.
Zombie fires are not unique to Canada; Alaska, Northern Europe, and Siberia also experience similar conditions.
These areas often have thick layers of flammable needles and vegetation.

Explore the unprecedented 2023 Canadian wildfire season, which set records with over 6,500 wildfires affecting 48 million acres. Learn about the phenomenon of 'zombie fires' that can smolder underground and reemerge after winter, primarily in British Columbia and Alberta. This quiz delves into the causes, implications, and challenges of monitoring these unique wildfires.