Canada braces for hotter, drier summer and funds expanded wildfire prevention

Environment and Climate Change Canada warned that Canada will experience a hotter and drier summer than normal, increasing the likelihood of heat waves and forest fires across the country. Health Canada advised the public to monitor health risks associated with extreme heat and potential smoke from wildfires.

Parks Canada announced a $45.8 million investment over five years for its National Fire Management Program. The funding will support wildfire response personnel, deployable equipment, and proactive risk‑reduction measures such as fuel‑break creation and prescribed burns. The program targets vulnerable areas, including Vancouver Island’s low snowpack, national parks, historic sites, highways, railways and nearby Indigenous and local communities, aiming to strengthen preparedness and protect both ecosystems and infrastructure.