Wildfire seasons in France and Canada show increasing severity

The 2026 wildfire seasons in France and Canada have been characterized by extreme conditions and significant environmental impact.

In the Aveyron department of France, officials reported an exhausting season with 258 fires affecting 151 communes and burning 483 hectares. Interventions increased by 139% compared to 2025, requiring heavy mobilization of professional and volunteer firefighters, as well as aerial support via the Rodez airport. Authorities noted a growing risk across the department.

In Canada, the wildfire season saw over 5,400 fires burning approximately 4.5 million hectares. The Northwest Territories accounted for more than one-third of the total area burned. Prolonged heat and drought particularly impacted northwestern Ontario and southern British Columbia. The fires forced the evacuation of more than 33,750 people, including over 8,800 from First Nations communities. To combat these trends, the Canadian government has invested $316.7 million over five years to bolster national aerial firefighting capabilities through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).