Canada is at risk of another round of devastating wildfires like the blazes that choked America last summer – as warm, dry winter gives way to hot spring season ahead [Video]

The Canadian federal government has warned the country could face another wildfire season because of unusually warm weather.

The word of caution was provided by Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan on Parliament Hill Wednesday, on the heels of an uncharacteristically warm winter.

He said that more dry, hot weather is expected this spring and summer, putting much of the country at heightened risk.

Widespread drought and a forecast of above-normal temperatures will also play a factor, he said – warning the summer months ahead have the potential to be more disastrous than last year’s.

The country’s wildfire season lasts through May through October. Last year, the blazes were so widespread, a blanket of smog enveloped much of the US. Canada, moreover, is home to 9 percent of the world’s forests – potential fuel for future fire, Sajjan said.

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