The Government of Canada updates on the 2026 wildfire season preparedness and outlook

Forward-looking forecasts indicate above-normal temperatures for nearly all Canadian regions for June, July and August. During this period, there are signals for below normal precipitation over northwestern Ontario, while the Northwest Territories and Northern Alberta could receive higher-than-normal precipitation.

Wildfire outlook for 2026

Forward-looking forecasts indicate above-normal temperatures for nearly all Canadian regions for June, July and August. During this period, there are signals for below normal precipitation over northwestern Ontario, while the Northwest Territories and Northern Alberta could receive higher-than-normal precipitation.

Drought conditions have persisted across Canada for several years, with the exception of some coastal and mountainous areas of Alberta and British Columbia. These temperature and precipitation patterns are favorable for wildfires, especially over the western regions of Canada where long-standing precipitation deficits persist.

Natural Resources Canada's modelling currently shows fire danger building through July across Canada with British Columbia facing the highest and most sustained fire risk. Over the same period, elevated fire danger could also emerge quickly in parts of northern, central and eastern Canada.

The forecast is built on multiple variables including data about moisture recovery, limited large-scale predictability of heat and dry conditions, topography and fuels and fire spread rates. Depending on these variables and other factors, this forecast can change. The Government of Canada will continue to provide wildfire forecast updates throughout the season.

The Government of Canada's Wildfires 2026 web page includes vital information about programs, policies and initiatives to keep Canadians informed about the wildfire situation.

Government of Canada investments in emergency protection and response

Federal investments continue to boost national emergency preparedness and response capabilities, including:

• $316.7 million over five years (2026–2031) to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) to lease and manage aerial firefighting aircraft. For the 2026 wildfire season, CIFFC secured 10 new wildfire-firefighting aircraft and two firefighting support assets to boost nationwide response capacity;
• $108 million over three years (2026–2029) to renew the Humanitarian Workforce Program to enable the continued support of eligible non-governmental organizations in maintaining a highly trained, scalable civilian workforce that can be rapidly deployed at the request of provinces and territories during large scale emergencies;
• $47.8 million over five years (2026–2031), to support wildfire preparedness, response, and risk reduction in places administered by Parks Canada. This investment will renew essential capacity under Parks Canada's National Fire Management Program and support the operational readiness of trained wildfire personnel, nationally deployable equipment, and proactive wildfire risk-reduction measures such as prescribed fire and targeted actions to reduce the accumulation of fire prone vegetation;
• $55.4 million over four years (2026–2030), with $13.4 million in ongoing funding thereafter, to renew and modernize the National Public Alerting System;
• $285 million over five years (2023–2028), to reduce wildland fire risk, delivered through three interrelated activities, including expanding the adoption of FireSmart™ Canada guidance across the country;
• $18 million in ongoing funding for 2026–27 to support First Nations in preparing for and mitigating against emergency events and their impacts, as part of Indigenous Services Canada's Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program;
• $12.98 million for 2026–27 in ongoing capacity enhancement funding to support community disaster resilience, by providing funding to First Nations, Tribal Councils, and Indigenous regional organizations to hire Emergency Management Coordinators;
• $13.82 million for 2026–27 in ongoing public health emergencies funding to support First Nations strengthen their local capacity for health emergency preparedness activities;
• $57.2 million over five years (2024–2029) under Indigenous Services Canada's FireSmart program to directly support First Nation communities and other eligible recipients with resources for Indigenous-led preventative measures, especially those located in high-risk areas;
• $11.7 million over four years (2025–2029) to establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada;
• $256 million over five years (2022–2027) through the Fighting and Managing Wildfire in a Changing Climate (FMWCC) Program – Equipment Fund to support provinces and territories to purchase specialized wildfire firefighting equipment (i.e., personal protective equipment, vehicles, mobile units, avionics upgrades (parts), etc.); and
• $28 million over five years (2022–2027) through the FMWCC – Training Fund to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management.

Disproportionate impacts on Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Climate change disproportionally impacts Indigenous communities due to their remote locations, close ties to the land and reliance on natural resources.

It is estimated that First Nations communities account for 42% of wildfire-related evacuations, while representing approximately 5% of Canada's population. In 2025, 44,920 people from 61 on-reserve First Nations were displaced from their homes due to wildfire.

The health, safety and well-being of these communities is a top government priority. The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing First Nations community capacity and strengthening First Nations communities for emergency events through year-long available investments in capacity building and in proposals for preparedness and mitigation, especially in the context of climate change.

Emergency response in Canada

The Government of Canada's top priority during wildfire emergencies is keeping people safe by supporting evacuations, protecting health, and reducing risks to communities.

Emergencies are managed first at the local and then provincial or territorial level. If an emergency escalates beyond the capabilities of a province or territory, they can seek assistance from the federal government by submitting a request for federal assistance for additional resources.

The Government Operations Centre (GOC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, is the lead for federal response coordination for emergency events affecting the national interest. It is dedicated to coordinating national-level planning and whole of government response to events, such as natural disasters, human induced events, and national security events on a 24/7 basis.

Federal response to wildfire emergencies include close collaboration with provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, as well as non-governmental and volunteer organizations to support evacuees and affected communities.

During an emergency event on a reserve, First Nations Chiefs and Councils lead response and recovery efforts. When an emergency event occurs, through its Emergency Management Assistance Program, Indigenous Services Canada reimburses 100 percent of eligible response and recovery costs for affected First Nations.

Climate change and extreme weather

Climate change is driving increased risks from wildfires across Canada due to more frequent and intense extreme fire weather conditions (hot, dry, and windy conditions). These extreme events can cause increased risks to the safety and security of Canadians, threats to critical infrastructure, and disruption of economic activity in impacted communities and regions.

Wildfires can cause widespread damage to communities, ecosystems, infrastructure and pose serious risks to public health and safety. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, preparation and public awareness have never been so important.

How Canadians should prepare

It's important that Canadians prepare for emergencies. Get Prepared has information for people in Canada to learn more about the risks and how to protect themselves including how to make an emergency plan, and what items to include in their emergency kit.

Canadians are encouraged to stay informed, monitor and follow the guidance of provincial, territorial, and local authorities during emergencies.

People in Canada can access information on the current wildfire situation including where wildfires are happening through the recently updated Canadian Wildland Fire Information System and by visiting canada.ca/wildfire. It is also important to stay informed through weather alerts and air quality advisories or by using the WeatherCAN app.

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