Teen charged after bonfire causes blaze that prompts thousands of evacuations
This is a reminder that spring is a high-risk season for wildfires, so it's important for everyone to take precautions to prevent igniting any fires.
A 19-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with arson and aggravated arson, the Associated Press (AP) reports.
Authorities arrested the man for using wooden pallets to start a bonfire he then abandoned without fully extinguishing, leading to a wildfire that spread quickly. Smoke from the fire, which is still burning at the time of this writing, is intense enough to affect air quality in New York City.
As of Thursday afternoon, the fire had grown to 60 square kilometres. Officials said it is expected to burn "for days," though progress was being made.
On Wednesday, the fire prompted the evacuation of about 5,000 residents in New Jersey's Ocean county who have since been allowed to return home. No deaths or injuries are linked to the incident, but at least one commercial building and several cars are damaged.
Humans a major cause of wildfires
Wildfires can happen any time of year, but in Canada, peak activity is usually between May and October, according to The Government of Canada.
Spring is a high-risk season because melting snow leaves the ground dry. While rain usually helps restore moisture, a season with below-average rainfall can be dangerous—especially before grasses and trees have had a chance to green up.
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Lightning is responsible for some fires, but according to the Government of Alberta, humans are a major contributor.
"The majority of wildfires are started by humans," says Derrick Forsythe, information officer with the Alberta government, in a statement on the agency's website.
"In fact, [in 2021], over 60 per cent of wildfires in Alberta were human-caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable fires."
WATCH: How to put out your campfire properly during wildfire season
Canadians found responsible for starting wildfires, whether intentionally or through negligence, face steep fines. In addition, they could be responsible for covering the cost of fire-fighting efforts and face jail time.
Wildfire prevention tips
According to The Government of Canada, you can reduce the risk of wildfires by:
Adhering to fire bans and restrictions.
Properly extinguishing campfires. Douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and then douse again until it feels cool. Never leave a fire unattended.
Ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished and disposed of in proper containers. Never throw cigarettes on the ground.
Use equipment responsibly. Chainsaws and ATVs can produce fire-igniting sparks. Keep equipment maintained and do not use it near dry vegetation.
Report wildfires. If you spot a wildfire or the starting signs of one, contact authorities right away. Early reporting can help contain a fire before it grows and spreads.
Science behind the weather: How wildfires are able to spread so quickly
Header image: File photo/Canva Pro.