Publication Date May 16, 2016 | Slate Magazine

Two competing phenomena joined forces to create the horrific Fort McMurray blaze

Canada
A convoy of evacuees drives south as flames and smoke rise along the highway near Fort McMurray, Alberta, on May 6. Photo: Getty Images
A convoy of evacuees drives south as flames and smoke rise along the highway near Fort McMurray, Alberta, on May 6. Photo: Getty Images

Most of the vulnerable communities, however, are in the southeastern U.S., and if climate change modelers are correct, we will see the fires moving to where the houses are. That will make it a national narrative. In truth, the problem is international, each country with its own quirky combination of fire-quickening factors. Mediterranean FrancePortugalGreece, South Africa, and Australia are experiencing similar outbreaks. North America has no monopoly