First Nations stuck in ‘spiralling cycle’ during wildfires: federal housing advocate

First Nations are trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle during wildfire seasons, according to a federal housing advocate's report on the 2025 wildfire season. The lack of coordinated emergency management support and a severe housing gap exacerbate the problem. Last year, the second-worst wildfire season on record saw 165 emergency events impacting 134 First Nations, with more than 40,000 people evacuated from at least 83 communities.

The report, released alongside the Assembly of First Nations, highlights the insufficient authority and resourcing given to First Nations for emergency management and territory stewardship, which should involve traditional knowledge. Climate change is worsening the wildfire season, making them more intense and prolonged. However, there are not necessarily more fires.

First Nations received little or no advance warning of changing conditions during the 2025 season, and some were ignored by provincial governments, leading to delayed responses. Supports also varied by jurisdiction during evacuations, with some municipalities and Indigenous organizations working together to support evacuees, while others were unprepared or unwilling to receive evacuees.

The report recommends a national emergency management strategy, investing in First Nations-led fire safety and monitoring, and improving on-reserve infrastructure. Closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate significant economic output and require building over 55,000 new housing units and repairing 80,000 more.