How Wildfire Smoke is Reshaping Life in the Arctic

wildfires burning in the Prairies.

The impact of wildfire smoke is now a significant consideration for summertime outdoor activities. The smoke has even prompted complaints from American politicians and led to restrictions on outdoor activities in some Atlantic provinces. Disruptions have also been felt in the Arctic, where letting in fresh air is a simple pleasure during the summer. The strong smell of wildfire smoke prevented residents from opening their windows. This smoke serves as a stark reminder of the effects of climate change, especially for those in Canada who rely on colder temperatures to maintain their way of life.

Historically, wildfire smoke was extremely rare in the Arctic. However, this year, it has become a more frequent occurrence due to a combination of strong winds, atmospheric conditions that keep the smoke at ground level, and the proximity of wildfires in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Baker Lake experienced wildfire smoke cover for three consecutive years, from 2023 through this year. Iqaluit, Nunavut's capital, recorded a record number of hours of wildfire smoke cover this year, a stark contrast to the single hour of smoke experienced in 1999. Rankin Inlet also saw a significant increase in smoke cover.

The increasing presence of smoke in northern communities is a growing concern. Researchers are working on installing low-cost sensors to monitor the smoke as it becomes more prevalent. Wildfire smoke presents unique challenges to residents of the northern territories, who often lack air filtration systems in their homes.