Your World Tonight Thousands affected by NL fires, fewer houses being built, using teeth to restore sight, and more
Aug 12, 2025
The wildfires raging in Newfoundland and Labrador have forced over 13,000 people to evacuate, raising questions about Canada's fire response. As northern habitats suffer, the podcast highlights a groundbreaking surgery using teeth to restore vision, showcasing remarkable medical advances. It also examines a troubling housing market with construction struggling to keep up amid escalating costs. Additionally, trade disputes, extreme heat in Europe, and a young swimmer’s inspiring performance at the Canada Games round out this captivating discussion.
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Community Response During Evacuation
- Alex Driscoll described neighbours rushing to move trucks and flammable materials away during an evacuation near St. John's.
- More than 13,000 people were put on evacuation alert as fires threatened homes and businesses.
Wildfire Strategy Needs National Coordination
- Canada has faced its worst wildfire seasons for three summers and experts say national coordination needs review.
- Calls include a federal coordinating body, year-round mitigation, and Indigenous-led controlled burning strategies.
Do Year-Round Mitigation Work
- Invest in year-round mitigation work to reduce the area burning instead of only chasing active fires.
- Train and fund wildland firefighters to work beyond fire season and prioritize risk management and mitigation research.