The evolving role of wildfire in the Maritimes region of eastern Canada

Abstract

The Maritimes region of eastern Canada is not typically associated with wildfire, but the severe 2023 fire season has reminded “Maritimers” that despite its cool, damp climate and diverse, mixed forests, the region is not immune to burning. In this perspectives article, we review the relationship of wildfire and the Maritimes by first providing a brief history on the role fire has played in shaping the forests of the Maritimes and our part in that relationship. We then describe the current state of wildfire management, including strategies and technologies used to prevent fire, and identify some key important challenges moving forward. Overall, our review shows that the people of this region have a long history with wildfire, but that since European colonization (1600s) the local fire regime has undergone significant shifts. While the introduction of forest protection legislation and technology during the early 20th century has greatly reduced the occurrence of fire and substantially lengthened the fire return interval, the growing, sprawling population of the Maritimes presents new challenges for managing fire in the wildland–urban interface. Combined with the threat of climate change, which is likely to increase the occurrence of wildfire, new urban planning and forest management strategies must be developed to address these emerging dangers.