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The increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires across Canada are wreaking havoc on the nation’s electricity grid, particularly in rural and remote communities. In the past year alone, over 1,000 utility poles were destroyed, resulting in widespread power outages and prompting utility providers to seek more resilient solutions. As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat, the urgency for innovative strategies to safeguard power infrastructure has never been greater.
The Toll of Wildfires on Power Supply
Canada’s electricity network is an intricate web of wooden utility poles that traverse its densely forested terrain. This reliance on wooden infrastructure becomes a critical liability each summer when wildfires rage. Reports indicate that wildfires damaged a significant number of utility poles last year, causing power outages that particularly affected rural communities dependent on a stable electricity supply.
In Jasper, Alberta, a new transmission line connecting the town to the provincial grid was established in 2019. However, just three years later, the Chetamon wildfire devastated approximately 6,000 hectares in Jasper National Park, severely damaging power lines and plunging the town into darkness for over a week. The situation escalated in 2024 when a more severe wildfire further crippled the town, leaving many residents without power for as long as 16 days. Mayor Richard Ireland emphasised the precariousness of Jasper’s power supply, stating, “We are more of a tentacle than a grid; when one line is affected, we lose power.”
Challenges Faced by Remote Communities
The harsh reality is that many remote communities in Canada face similar vulnerabilities. When the Kelly Lake substation in British Columbia was engulfed by wildfires last July, power disruptions rippled hundreds of kilometres away, affecting even those far from the flames. B.C. Hydro reported that the wildfire resulted in the loss of 115 distribution poles, further highlighting the fragility of the power supply system.
In Manitoba, the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation also suffered significant outages after wildfires damaged key utility infrastructure. Councillor Rita Thomas expressed the distress this caused in the community, particularly for residents with critical health needs. “It’s discouraging, especially for our people with health issues,” she remarked, underscoring the dire implications of unreliable power in times of crisis.
Innovative Responses to Wildfire Risks
To combat the increasing threat of wildfires, utility providers are exploring innovative solutions to protect their infrastructure. In regions deemed high-risk, utilities are replacing wooden poles with more fire-resistant materials, such as fibreglass-reinforced polymer and steel. Additionally, wooden poles are treated with fire retardants, and many have been wrapped with wildfire-resistant mesh designed to insulate them from heat.
ATCO Electric, in particular, has begun using this wildfire-resistant mesh proactively after the devastating 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. Currently, about 10 per cent of their distribution network has been fortified with this protective material. “Our aim is to balance system performance, public safety, reliability, and affordability,” explained Gurb Hari, vice-president of engineering and construction at ATCO. However, he acknowledged that completely eliminating wildfire risk would be cost-prohibitive.
The Need for Long-Term Solutions
As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the pressure to develop sustainable and long-term solutions intensifies. Kevin Hanna, director at the Centre for Environmental Assessment Research at the University of British Columbia, pointed out that systemic vulnerabilities are prevalent in remote communities. He noted that some areas rely on a single power supply route, while others may preemptively shut off power as a safety measure. These challenges underscore the necessity for a comprehensive reassessment of infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.
Why it Matters
The ongoing threat of wildfires to Canada’s power infrastructure is not just an energy issue; it is a matter of public safety, economic stability, and community resilience. Rural and remote communities, already grappling with limited resources, are disproportionately affected by power outages. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of these wildfires, it is crucial for utility providers and governmental bodies to implement innovative strategies and invest in resilient infrastructure. The future of energy supply in these vulnerable regions hinges on our ability to adapt and strengthen the systems that support them.
