The Government of Canada's Wildfires 2026 web page includes vital information about programs, policies and initiatives to keep Canadians informed about the ongoing wildfire situation across the country.
Wildfires are any natural or planned ignition, that burns in wildland areas and consumes natural fuels (trees, brush, grass, etc.). Forest fires, grassland fires, cultural fires and prescribed fires are all considered wildfires.
Fire is a vital natural ecological process that support forest health and diversity. Wildfires can also have significant public safety consequences, threaten human health and negatively impact cultural and economic resources.
Many factors contribute to wildfires in Canada including landscape, wind, weather, soil moisture and snowpack from the winter months. While human-caused fires account for a significant number of wildfires, lightning-caused fires account for roughly half of fire ignitions, and a larger share of area burned because they often occur in remote areas where detection is delayed and fire suppression capacity is limited.
Climate change and extreme weather
Warmer-than-average temperatures, decreased levels of snowpack, low soil moisture, and elevated drought conditions are indicators that climate change is impacting the frequency, size and intensity of wildfires in Canada.
We continue to see extreme hot temperatures at a greater frequency than in the past. These extreme factors increase the severity of heat waves and contribute to the risk of drought and wildfires.
A transition to El Niño is expected to develop this summer, taking full effect later this year. El Niño occurs when the surface water temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than average. This rise in temperature changes the atmosphere circulation and weather patterns around the globe, which can influence extreme climate, such as wildfire danger and a change in air-quality conditions.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, preparation and public awareness on wildfire prevention have never been so important.
Take action to protect yourself from wildfires
It's important that Canadians prepare for emergencies. Canada.ca/get-prepared
