Canada wildfires burn 4.5 million hectares in 2026

In 2026, more than 5,400 wildfires burned approximately 4.5 million hectares across Canada, according to an end-of-season update from Public Safety Canada. The season, which began more slowly than average, saw heavy activity driven by prolonged heat, drought, and low humidity.

The Northwest Territories was particularly impacted, accounting for more than one-third of the total area burned nationally. Other heavily affected regions included northwestern Ontario and southern British Columbia.

The fires forced more than 33,750 people from their homes, including over 8,800 individuals from First Nations communities. Many of these are fly-in communities where evacuations require aircraft support.

To combat the season, Canada utilized a national aerial surge capacity funded with $316.7 million over five years. Ten leased aircraft contributed over 2,120 flight hours and performed more than 14,400 water or retardant drops across nine provinces and territories. Additionally, Canada received assistance from over 560 firefighters from Mexico, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Australia.