Greenland's summer fires ignite unusually early in June

Wildfires have ignited in Greenland unusually early in June, a rare event that experts are linking to climate change. The fires, which broke out near Kangerluarsuk fjord, are occurring at a time when the area is typically still covered in ice.

Karl Brix Zinglersen, head of the Environment and Minerals Department at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, stated that such early fires are atypical. "It is rare for such fires to occur as early as June, and it is reasonable to assume that climate change is responsible, particularly Arctic warming and the current El Niño effect," he told AFP.

“

It is rare for such fires to occur as early as June, and it is reasonable to assume that climate change is responsible, particularly Arctic warming and the current El Niño effect.

Zinglersen explained that vegetation fires are a relatively new phenomenon in Greenland. Researchers have found no evidence of vegetation fires on the island prior to 2008. Since then, the frequency has increased, with 21 fires recorded between 2008 and 2020, mostly in July and August during warm, dry periods. The appearance of fires in June is less common.

The recent fires occurred in western Greenland, where high temperatures and low rainfall have dried out vegetation, making it more susceptible to ignition. Fire services issued recommendations to prevent further fires, reminding residents and tourists to use designated areas for campfires and grills. Although these fires caused no injuries and were quickly extinguished, their early onset has drawn researchers' attention as part of a broader trend of increasing vegetation fires on the island.

“

Researchers have found no evidence of vegetation fires on the island prior to 2008.