Canada Provides 2026 Wildfire Preparedness Update and Seasonal Forecast

On Thursday, Canada provided an update on wildfire preparedness and the outlook for the 2026 wildfire season. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, joined other federal ministers to outline current conditions and response efforts.

As of Thursday, there were 65 active wildfires across Canada, including six classified as out of control. More than 18,935 hectares (46,789 acres) have burned nationwide so far this year.

The government reported that long-standing precipitation deficits continue across Western Canada. Forecasts call for above-normal temperatures across nearly all regions of Canada in June, July, and August. While several areas have received significant precipitation during the past six months, potentially delaying wildfire activity, Natural Resources Canada modeling shows fire danger building across much of the country through July.

British Columbia is expected to face the highest and most sustained wildfire risk, while elevated fire danger could develop rapidly in parts of northern, central, and eastern Canada. Officials encouraged Canadians to monitor local conditions through the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.

The government also highlighted the disproportionate impact of wildfires on First Nations communities. In 2025, 44,920 people from 61 on-reserve First Nations were displaced due to wildfire activity.

Federal officials said they will continue working with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and other partners to support wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.