Canada records 4.1 million hectares burnt as 2026 wildfire season continues

Public Safety Canada said in a statement on Tuesday that 31 of the active fires are currently out of control and receiving a full response.

While the number of fires is higher than at the same point last year, the area burnt is significantly lower. By mid-August 2025, Canada had recorded 4,584 fires that had burnt about 7.7 million hectares.

Federal officials attributed this year’s wildfire activity to prolonged periods of heat, low humidity and dry conditions across several parts of the country.

Northwestern Ontario experienced intense wildfire activity in July, resulting in significant damage and evacuations, including from several First Nations communities.

Following a federal request for assistance from Ontario, the Canadian Armed Forces began evacuating residents of Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope, on July 18.

Southern British Columbia has also faced persistent heat and below-normal precipitation, contributing to major fires in the Fraser Canyon and Okanagan Valley.

The federal government approved a request for assistance from British Columbia on August 8 to provide shelter and accommodation for people displaced by wildfires. More than 10,000 people remain under evacuation orders, with Ottawa continuing to support the province-led response.

Wildfire risk is expected to remain elevated

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting above-average temperatures across much of the country through August and September, while drought and dry conditions in some regions could keep wildfire risks elevated.

Natural Resources Canada modelling indicates that wildfires in southern British Columbia are expected to remain active through the rest of August, although forecast precipitation could help reduce fire activity.

Higher-than-normal fire danger is also expected in parts of northern British Columbia, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, northwestern Quebec and Nunavut.

For September, wildfire danger is forecast to remain above normal across most of Canada, except Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Federal officials noted, however, that higher-than-normal fire danger in northern areas does not necessarily mean large fires or significant fire growth are expected because wildfire activity typically declines in those regions at that time of year.

International and indigenous support

More than 500 international firefighters from Mexico, Costa Rica, New Zealand and Australia have assisted firefighting operations in Ontario and British Columbia this summer, complementing Canadian firefighters and emergency responders.

Indigenous Services Canada is also working with First Nations communities, provinces, territories and other partners on wildfire response and recovery.

Through its Emergency Management Assistance Program, the federal government said it will reimburse 100% of eligible wildfire response costs for affected First Nations.

This includes evacuation transportation and accommodation, food, security, and mental health and wellness support.

The programme can also fund measures, such as air purifiers, air scrubbers, and generators, to help communities shelter safely in place where appropriate and address wildfire smoke and poor air quality.

The federal government is encouraging Canadians to monitor local alerts and prepare for potential emergencies as wildfire conditions remain elevated across parts of the country.