Understanding Zombie Fires in Canada

Study Notes

Zombie Fires

Zombie fires are wildfires that smolder underground for extended periods, often for many years, fueled by highly flammable organic matter like peat.
These fires can reignite when conditions change, such as when lightning strikes or when farmers set fires to burn excess vegetation.
They are also known as holdover or overwintering fires.

Frequency and Location

Zombie fires occur annually in British Columbia and Alberta, but usually no more than 15 per year.
In 2023, a record surge in the number of zombie fires occurred, with over 93 reported in British Columbia and more than 55 in Alberta.

Cause of the Surge

This increase in zombie fires is largely related to a prolonged drought in Canada, which has lasted for three years.
Typically, melting snow extinguishes these fires, but recent lower precipitation and warmer winter temperatures have enabled the fires to continue burning in the dense vegetation layers below the snowpack.

Challenges in Detecting Zombie Fires

The remote and inaccessible locations of many of these fires make detection difficult.
The underground, flameless nature of these fires allows them to spread undetected over large areas.
Frozen ground, covered with snow, hinders firefighting efforts.

Geographic Distribution

Zombie fires are not unique to Canada; they are also found in similar environments in Alaska, Northern Europe, and Siberia.
These regions share common characteristics, including cool coniferous forests with dense layers of needles and other vegetation, making them easily combustible.

Description

This quiz explores the phenomenon of zombie fires, which smolder underground and can reignite under certain conditions. Learn about their frequency, causes, and the impact of climate change on these persistent wildfires, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta. The quiz also addresses the challenges posed by these unique fires in a changing environment.