This year’s fire season forecast is normal across the country for the month of May, but the hazard is expected to increase for much of Western Canada this summer.

Natural Resources Canada’s Northern Forestry Centre in Edmonton provided the update.

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UPDATE: Richter Creek wildfire near Osoyoos now at 400 hectares

The daily forecast shows the fire danger is extreme in Yukon and parts of the southern Prairies, but officials say that can change quickly with some rain.

In British Columbia, an aggressive wildfire is burning west of Osoyoos near the United States border, and crews spent the weekend battling fires near some northern communities.

Alberta now has 23 active fires, one which is classified as out of control north of Peace River.

Federal officials say more than half of all wildfires are caused by humans and lightning strikes account for the rest.

The department works with provinces and territories on wildfire management, provides maps of daily fire weather and behaviour, notes fire locations and does monthly seasonal fire severity forecasts through an online information website.

Monthly forecasts help to determine trends expected for the upcoming fire season.

Watch below (May 14): The Richter Creek wildfire grew to 400 hectares and is still classified as burning out of control.

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