The Government of Canada provides an update regarding the 2026 wildfire season – June update

June 11, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario

The 2026 wildfire season began more slowly than in 2023 or 2025 which were the worst and second worst wildfire seasons in Canadian history. However, looking forward into the summer, the current forecast indicates that wildfire activity will increase in the months ahead. The federal government continues to monitor conditions closely and stands ready to assist provinces, territories and Indigenous communities if needed.

As of June 10, 2026, Canada has seen 1,747 wildfires this year to date, including 95 active wildfires, 44 of which are currently out of control. The total area burned so far this year is 166,400 hectares. The trend to date this year suggest that while the wildfire season has started slowly, wildfire activity may intensify as temperatures rise, ground vegetation dries, and weather conditions evolve.

Warmer-than-normal temperatures are predicted across most of Canada this summer. Although some regions have received above-average amounts of precipitation in recent months, fire danger is expected to increase as the summer progresses.

Modelling indicates fire danger will remain low across much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and southern Manitoba through June. However, fire danger will increase in other regions during the same period, with ongoing drought in the eastern Northwest Territories and the Atlantic provinces continuing to elevate fire potential. Looking further ahead, national fire danger is forecast to rise in July and August as above average- temperatures develop across most of the country.

Canadians are encouraged to stay informed about fire danger conditions in their region through the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System and to get information on how to be ready for any emergency at: Canada.ca/get-prepared.