What’s next for Canada’s wildfire season? Ottawa to share update

Canada's wildfire season is intensifying, with officials reporting a significant growth and acceleration in wildfire activity across the country. Over four million hectares have been burned, and there are currently 582 active wildfires, 31 of which are out of control. Emergency Preparedness Minister Eleanor Olszewski stated that the season remains serious, particularly in July when activity intensified.

While the 2026 wildfire season has not yet reached the scale of 2025, officials warned in May that significant activity was expected in British Columbia. More than 8.3 million hectares were burned in 2025. International firefighters from Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are supporting firefighting efforts in British Columbia, where the Bald Range wildfire has burned over 21,000 hectares and destroyed or damaged about 150 structures.

The intense wildfire season in the United States, especially in Oregon and Washington state, is also a concern for Canada, as the U.S. is currently unable to provide adequate firefighting assistance. Thick smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario has caused poor air quality and reduced visibility across parts of Canada, leading to threats of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.