Canada reports 5,400 wildfires and 4.5 million hectares burned in 2026

More than 5,400 wildfires burned about 4.5 million hectares across Canada in 2026, according to an October 15 update from Public Safety Canada.

The federal department said the season began more slowly than average before prolonged heat, drought and low humidity drove major activity. Northwestern Ontario and southern British Columbia were particularly affected, while the Northwest Territories accounted for more than one-third of the national area burned.

Wildfires forced more than 33,750 people from their homes from April through the date of the update, including more than 8,800 people from First Nations communities. Several fires remained active, although conditions had improved substantially.

The update also reports on a national aerial surge capacity established with $316.7 million over five years. Ten leased aircraft recorded more than 2,120 flight hours and made more than 14,400 water or retardant drops across nine provinces and territories during the season.

Canada also received support from more than 560 firefighters from Mexico, Costa Rica, New Zealand and Australia, according to the federal release.

Source: Public Safety Canada, 2026 wildfire season October update, published October 15, 2026.

Featured image: Illustrative stock photo of aerial wildfire suppression, not a documented 2026 Canadian fire. Photo by Margaret Giatras via Unsplash; cropped and resized by West Island Blog.