As the wildfire season begins and temperatures are set to soar this year, officials are warning that B.C. will face the “highest and most sustained” risk this wildfire season.
“Additionally, some parts of northern and central and eastern Canada could see elevated fire danger emerge quickly over the same period.”
Emergency Preparedness Minister Eleanor Olszewski said that “significant wildfire activity” in B.C. is especially expected in July.
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“There are so many factors that can change how that forecast will come to be,” she said. “We should just be prepared for the worst.”
A government official said during a technical briefing that while the wildfire risk is unlikely to result in a record-breaking year like 2023 or 2025, the federal government is still anticipating above average conditions as the 2026 season progresses.
There are currently 65 active wildfires in Canada, with six considered being out of control.
The 2025 wildfire season is recognized as Canada’s second-worst on record, with nearly 90,000 square kilometres consumed as of September 2025 — an area larger than New Brunswick.
“We know obviously that hot and dry weather conditions increase the risk, and above normal temperatures are expected across most regions of Canada over the next three months,” said Olszewski.
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She said that Western Canada in the month of July, with Ontario and Quebec in the month of June will be affected.
“Those are our worries and challenges at the present time, but we know that situation can change rapidly.”
On May 25, Olszewski announced in a news release that provincial and territorial wildfire agencies will be able to request the use of four air tankers, one spotter plane and five heavy lift helicopters to fight wildfires.
In addition, the government says the new assets will boost national firefighting surge capacity by increasing provincial and territorial access to aircraft during periods of intense wildfire activity.
It is the first time Ottawa will have federal firefighting planes to loan to the provinces, paid for by a new $317-million budget allocation to establish a national aerial firefighting surge capacity.
The government says the assets will be positioned within Canada based on fire activity forecasts and current wildfire activity.
Brian Jean and Anonymous – pulling Danielle Smith into a discussion on BC wildfires. Nenshi, is that you?
Every year, I get so saddened by the loss of Forests and all of the Wildlife. Tree and Ground Nests included.
:(
….because they have the most trees?
Do an article on the all the wonderful chemicals they spray on the forests. List them, who, why, where..
Do some real journalism.
How many liberal/ndp-sponsored activists are going to be used to start the fires? Such an obvious fait accompli.
Danielle Smith fired her helicopter firefighting crews for referendum money.
David Eby then hired them.
Jasper burned.
Fact.
At least Eby didn’t lay off firefighters like Smith firing her helicopter firecrews.
Eby hired them so BC is going to be ok.
Smith will get another Jasper.
This is sad and I hope the smoke isn’t terrible 😔
They already know. The government will be lighting them.
I guess this depends on the actions of stupid people and eco-terrorists.
We should have the homeless clearing the deadfall and pine beetle trees. Qualified fellers cut the trees, homeless skid, them out with rescue horses + stack and load trucks. The wood is sold for firewood or used to generate electricity. House the homeless in atco trailers where they can get addictions treatment
It’s going to rain all summer .So Fuc off