What are "zombie fires" terrorizing Canada, and why are scientists alarmed

The Canadian winter hasn't allowed us to forget the horrific wildfire season of 2023. The so-called "zombie fires," which burn beneath a thick layer of snow, are causing experts to worry about the upcoming summer.

Driving along the highway through Fort Nelson, British Columbia, in winter, one can see clouds of white smoke rising above the ground. This smoke is the result of zombie fires, as reported by the BBC.

Over the past 10 years, an average of 5-6 such fires have occurred in British Columbia, but in January 2024, their number reached 106. This is concerning because 91 of them are still burning, and those that remain unextinguished may flare up with renewed vigor with the arrival of spring and snowmelt.

Scientists attribute the "zombie fires" to the early onset of the forest fire season and climate change.

"I believe that smoldering fires during the winter are a very concerning phenomenon, especially following Canada's record-breaking wildfire season last year," said Jennifer Baltzer, a professor of biology at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Most of these fires are those that could not be fully extinguished last fall due to a lack of resources. Another contributing factor to the fires is the extreme drought the province has been experiencing for the past two years.

If British Columbia continues to receive insufficient snow or rain until spring, the "zombie fires" could reignite as soon as they are exposed to oxygen. This could lead to an early start to the new wildfire season.