Canada Wildfires Map
Canada Wildfires Map tracks live active wildfires, satellite thermal hotspots, and smoke dispersion across Canada in real time. Monitor verified incident perimeters, containment status, and weather-driven spread risk updated continuously using authoritative satellite radiometry from NASA FIRMS (VIIRS 375m & MODIS) and Copernicus EFFIS.
Loading Satellite Wildfire Telemetry...
Streaming active thermal detections from NASA FIRMS VIIRS & MODIS and Copernicus EFFIS.
Wildfires in Canada today
So far in 2026, 5,420,000 hectares have burned in Canada — 174% above the 20-year average.
HOW MUCH BURNS IN CANADA EACH YEAR
+174% ▲5,420,000 hectares so far this year, 174% above the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Canada is the 2nd furthest above its own average.
EFFIS Copernicus · data as of 1 OctAcross Canada's vast boreal biome, over 5.4 million hectares have burned so far this season. Intensive firefighting efforts are deployed across Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories under coordination by CIFFC.
Dense transboundary smoke plumes from high-intensity crown fires continue to drift eastward and southward, prompting air quality warnings across multiple Canadian provinces and US border states.
Named fires in Canada
Detailed tactical reports with satellite radiometry, burned hectares, and suppression containment status.
| Incident / Sector | Status | Burned Footprint | Containment | Thermal FRP | Satellite Radiometer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasper Complex WildfireJasper National Park · Alberta • Jul 22 Extreme boreal lodgepole pine crown fire in steep mountain valleys of the Canadian Rockies with active perimeter containment. | Active | 36,000 hectares89,400 acres | 62% Contained | 412 MW | NOAA-20 VIIRS |
| Peace River Boreal IncidentNorthern Alberta • Aug 10 Sub-arctic black spruce and peatland complex generating massive pyrocumulus smoke columns across western Canada. | Active | 57,400 hectares142,000 acres | 38% Contained | 295 MW | NOAA-21 VIIRS |
In Canada, CIFFC categorizes fires as Out of Control (OC), Being Held (BH), or Under Control (UC). Out of Control indicates the fire is spreading beyond designated suppression boundaries.
About wildfires in Canada
Canada contains roughly 28% of the world's boreal forest, a coniferous ecosystem naturally adapted to stand-replacing crown fires. However, prolonged summer heat domes and early snowpack melting have dramatically elongated the fire season.
Provincial wildfire agencies (such as BC Wildfire Service, Alberta Wildfire, and SOPFEU Quebec) collaborate through mutual aid pacts, mobilizing airborne water scooper fleets, smokejumpers, and international fire crews.
CIFFC National Dispatch
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre coordinating national resource sharing and international crew deployments.
Amphibious Air Tankers
Extensive fleets of Bombardier CL-415 and CL-215 water scoopers operating out of thousands of natural boreal lakes.
Smokejumpers & Initial Attack
Parachute-deployed wildland firefighters dropped into remote roadless timber country for rapid containment.
Today's situation
Fire conditions in Western Canada remain elevated in interior BC and northern Alberta. Rain events over the southern prairies have assisted containment lines, while northern boreal sectors remain under active fire watches.
Canada wildfire season
The Canadian wildfire season begins as early as May in the southern prairie provinces and continues through late September in dense northern boreal timber corridors.
Notable wildfires in history
Historic Record Fire Season
Nationwide CanadaFort McMurray Horse River Fire
AlbertaMain causes & risk factors
Combustible Boreal Black Spruce & Peat
Dense resinous spruce canopies and deep organic peat layers fuel fires that can burn underground and withstand heavy rain.
Early Snowpack Melt & Heat Domes
Early spring thaw exposes dry timber weeks ahead of schedule, setting the stage for high-intensity early season flare-ups.
Safety & preparedness
Call 911 or Provincial Fire Lines
Report wildland forest fires immediately: 1-800-663-5555 in BC, 310-FIRE in Alberta.
Monitor Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
Check Environment Canada AQHI ratings and wear N95 respirators during heavy wildfire smoke drift.
Canada Emergency Dispatch: 911 / 310-FIRE
Direct connection to regional wildfire management centers and municipal emergency responders.
Frequently asked questions
Key facts about satellite radiometry, fire seasons, and safety preparedness in Canada.