Officials in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia say a day of blistering heat, strong winds and low humidity could lead to “extreme fire behaviour” as they work to control wildfires that have forced more than 20,000 people from their homes.
Fire crews said on Thursday they were concerned about a phenomenon known as “crossover”, which occurs when temperature rises above 30C, humidity drops below 30% and winds exceed 30km/h.
Officials warned that during a crossover event, fuels such as twigs and leaves on the forest floor could combust, making it easier for existing wildfires to spread.
“We are looking at possible extremely fast and aggressive spread rates for firefighters on the ground,” said David Steeves of Nova Scotia’s department of natural resources.
Steeves said the blaze near the community of Tantallon, which has destroyed more than 150 homes and displaced 18,500 people, has been 50% contained and has not grown. But with the extreme heat forecast, he said the situation outside Halifax remained dangerous.
Credit: theguardian.com
