Wildfires in Canada today
So far in 2026, 2,608,022 hectares have burned in Canada — 38% below the 20-year average. Right now 169 wildfires are burning.
2,608,022 hectares so far this year, 38% below the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Canada ranks 10th for area burned relative to its average.
Named fires in Canada
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
Burning right now “Contained” doesn’t mean out. It’s the share of the perimeter where crews stopped the spread. In most of Europe it isn’t published; “not held back yet” is an official 0%.
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Canada has experienced record-breaking wildfire seasons in recent years, with the 2023 season being the most devastating on record. Over 18 million hectares burned across the country, blanketing major cities in smoke and forcing mass evacuations in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories.
Canada's boreal forest, the largest intact forest ecosystem on Earth, is naturally adapted to fire. However, climate change is pushing fire activity far beyond historical norms. British Columbia and Alberta face the most intense fire seasons, but fires increasingly threaten eastern provinces and northern territories.
This real-time tracker monitors all fire activity across Canada's provinces and territories using NASA satellite data, providing essential information for the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) and provincial fire services.
Today's situation
60 fires are still burning in Canada, covering some 1,548,500 hectares between them. The biggest by far is near Collins, at around 301,200 hectares.
It is a mixed year. Canada has lost 2,614,900 hectares so far, well below its usual 4,237,500 — the 10th worst figure among the 26 countries Copernicus tracks.
Around Collins it is cool and humid with a gentle breeze and good air. Rain is expected over the next 48 hours.
Updated 3 Oct
Canada wildfire season
Canada's wildfire season generally runs from May through September, peaking in July and August. Fire is a natural part of the vast boreal forest, but hotter, drier conditions have made recent seasons far more extreme. British Columbia and Alberta usually see the most intense activity, though the record 2023 season burned in nearly every province and territory at once.
Many of the largest fires ignite from lightning in remote boreal forest, where they can burn for weeks. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) coordinates crews and equipment across the country during peak periods.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2023 Record National Season
Canada's worst season on record burned more than 18 million hectares, sent smoke as far as New York and Europe, and forced over 200,000 people to evacuate.
- 2021 Lytton Fire
A day after Lytton, BC set Canada's all-time heat record of 49.6°C, a wildfire destroyed most of the village within minutes.
- 2016 Fort McMurray Fire
Nicknamed "the Beast," this fire forced about 88,000 people to flee Fort McMurray, Alberta, and became the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
Main causes & risk factors
- Lightning strikes igniting remote boreal forest
- Record heat and drought linked to a warming climate
- Vast, continuous boreal fuel that carries fire over huge distances
- Human ignitions near roads, communities, and industry
- Earlier snowmelt and longer, hotter summers
Safety & preparedness
- Follow provincial wildfire alerts and evacuation orders without delay
- Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit and a family evacuation plan
- Use FireSmart guidance to reduce flammable material around your home
- Check air-quality warnings and limit exposure to wildfire smoke
- Respect fire bans and never leave a campfire unattended
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Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Canada?
Generally May through September, peaking in July and August, when heat and dry lightning are most common across the boreal forest.
How bad was Canada's 2023 wildfire season?
It was the worst on record — over 18 million hectares burned, smoke reached New York and Europe, and more than 200,000 people were evacuated.
Which provinces have the most wildfires?
British Columbia and Alberta typically see the most intense seasons, but fires increasingly affect Quebec, Ontario, and the northern territories.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires worldwide and refresh several times a day.
Is this Canada wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Canada and the world in real time.