Canada’s wildfire season in 2025 is now officially the second-worst on record in terms of total area burned. By late June, Canada wildfires had scorched over 3.7 million hectares of land across the country, surpassing historical averages and intensifying pressure on emergency services. The only fire season with greater impact remains 2023, which set national records for area burned.
On average, Canada wildfires burn approximately 800,000 hectares each year. In contrast, this season has already exceeded that figure by more than fourfold, with conditions expected to remain volatile through the summer months. Federal fire agencies report that Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba together account for roughly 76% of this year’s total burned area.
Elevated Fire Risk Across Western Provinces
Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada have both projected higher-than-normal temperatures across most of the country through August. Western and northern regions are expected to be particularly affected by dry conditions and heat, creating sustained fire danger in several areas, including southern British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
The season began with typical wildfire activity, but late spring brought elevated temperatures and low rainfall, rapidly worsening fire behavior in many regions. Some communities remain on alert as suppression efforts continue and forecasts suggest little immediate relief.
Developments and Evacuation Updates on Canada Wildfires
In British Columbia, a wildfire near Squamish expanded to more than 55 hectares and prompted the evacuation of Alice Lake Provincial Park. Authorities cited increased wind activity as a factor in the fire’s growth. Elsewhere, officials report that weather conditions have helped slow fire progression in some areas.
Rain and favorable winds allowed residents in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, and Cranberry Portage, Manitoba, to begin returning home after previous evacuation orders. Officials continue to monitor those locations as conditions evolve.
Firefighting Support and International Coordination
With over 225 wildfires currently active, Canada has welcomed international assistance. Approximately 500 firefighters from the United States and Australia are on the ground, with more en route. Additional personnel are expected from Costa Rica to support provincial efforts in high-risk zones.
Coordination between federal and provincial emergency agencies is ongoing. Fire crews are prioritizing suppression based on fire behavior, proximity to communities, and regional resource availability.
Key Factors Behind the 2025 Wildfire Season
- Temperature anomalies: Summer temperatures are forecast to remain 1–2°C above average in many provinces.
- Limited precipitation: Below-average rainfall has contributed to dry fuel conditions across western Canada.
- Wind dynamics: Gusting winds have played a role in fire spread and complicate suppression efforts.
- Early seasonal dryness: Soil and vegetation were already dry by early spring, creating flammable conditions earlier than usual.
- Recurring seasonal patterns: Similar fire-prone conditions were observed in previous high-burn years, pointing to larger environmental trends.
Wildfires on the G7 Agenda
The 2025 G7 summit, set to take place in Alberta, will include discussions on wildfire response and preparedness. Leaders are expected to review the proposed Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, which emphasizes collaborative international efforts in fire prevention, emergency response, and recovery planning.
Discussion topics include satellite-based monitoring systems, data sharing, and equipment interoperability to streamline joint operations in future emergencies. Wildfires are increasingly recognized as a shared global concern, with transboundary smoke and emissions affecting air quality beyond national borders.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Preparedness
Federal and provincial agencies continue to issue fire bans, air quality advisories, and evacuation alerts as needed. Residents in affected areas are advised to follow official instructions, monitor local conditions, and prepare for potential changes in fire behavior throughout the summer.
Although scattered rainfall has brought temporary relief in some areas, overall fire risk remains elevated. Continued monitoring and coordination among agencies at all levels is expected as the 2025 wildfire season progresses.