博客

In the remote regions of northern Ontario, Canada, the increasing threat of wildfires has forced many residents to face a difficult choice. Recently, Hubert Wigwas, a member of the Gull Bay First Nation, chose to ignore a formal evacuation order—a mandatory instruction for people to leave a dangerous area immediately. Instead of seeking safety elsewhere, Mr. Wigwas remained in his community to safeguard his home and assist others. He took practical measures, such as installing sprinklers to extinguish flying embers and preparing boats on the lake to ensure that remaining elders could flee if conditions worsened.

This individual act of defiance reflects a national crisis. Canada has faced increasingly catastrophic fire seasons, with 2023 being the most destructive on record. During that year, wildfires consumed an area equivalent in size to Syria. Currently, more than 750 wildfires are active across the country, creating smoke that drifts south and degrades air quality in the United States. This environmental issue has now become a significant international concern.

The ongoing crisis has ignited a fierce debate regarding disaster management. Government authorities emphasize that staying behind is extremely hazardous, arguing that the presence of residents prevents professional firefighters from operating effectively. Conversely, individuals like Mr. Wigwas contend that remote communities, situated deep within Canada’s expansive forests, are often neglected when firefighting resources are limited.

Mr. Wigwas advocates for a shift in strategy. Given that resources are frequently overstretched, he suggests that First Nations communities should receive training to establish their own emergency response systems. With climate change making wildfires more frequent and intense, he believes that residents must be equipped to protect their own properties. By enhancing local preparedness, these isolated settlements would no longer depend exclusively on external aid, which occasionally arrives too late to prevent total loss. This tension between official safety protocols and the personal desire to protect one’s heritage highlights the complex challenges posed by a changing climate.

1. What is the main theme of the article?

• A.The technical challenges of extinguishing forest fires in Syria.
• B.The international cooperation required to improve air quality.
• C.The conflict between government safety orders and local self-reliance during disasters.
• D.The history of the Gull Bay First Nation in northern Ontario.

2. According to the text, why was the year 2023 significant?

• A.It was the first time evacuation orders were issued in Canada.
• B.It marked the start of the smoke pollution in the United States.
• C.It recorded the highest number of active fires in history at 750.
• D.It saw more land destroyed by fire than any previous year.

3. What can be inferred about Mr. Wigwas’s opinion of official emergency services?

• A.He believes they prioritize urban areas over remote forest communities.
• B.He thinks professional firefighters are not properly trained for forest fires.
• C.He feels that the government is intentionally causing the wildfires.
• D.He is confident that help will always arrive just in time.

4. In the fourth paragraph, what is the meaning of ‘overstretched’?

• A.Being very flexible in a difficult situation.
• B.Having too many resources to manage effectively.
• C.Not having enough people or equipment to deal with a task.
• D.Expanding a territory to include more forest land.

5. What is the government’s primary argument against residents staying behind?

• A.Residents use up too much water with their rooftop sprinklers.
• B.The presence of civilians makes it unsafe for professionals to work.
• C.It is too expensive to provide boats for everyone who stays.
• D.The smoke is more dangerous for individuals than the fire itself.