Canada’s 2025 fire season is shaping up to be the second-worst on record, with over 470 out-of-control fires burning across the country, impacting tens of thousands of people. A staggering 7,318,421 hectares have already burned, significantly exceeding the five-year average, a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change. Warmer temperatures are extending the fire season and exacerbating conditions, causing more intense blazes that are difficult to control, with the prairie provinces being the most affected, followed by fires now hitting the east coast. This is the third year in a row that Canada has experienced far above-average fire activity, causing widespread evacuations, air quality issues, and impacting populations internationally.
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Fueled by widespread wildfires spanning Canada, international aid is arriving. A 96-person Australian firefighting contingent has deployed to Alberta for five weeks, responding to a Canadian request for assistance. Additional support includes personnel from other Canadian provinces and the United States, addressing the tens of thousands of evacuees in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The Yukon is also contributing 20 firefighters to Alberta’s efforts, while British Columbia anticipates extreme fire behaviour.
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Wildfires raging over 4,000 miles away in central Canada caused an unusual atmospheric phenomenon over the UK on Saturday and Sunday. A hazy, eerie sun and sky resulted from the smoke traveling across the Atlantic. The event was widely documented by BBC WeatherWatchers across the country. This unusual visual spectacle highlighted the far-reaching impact of the Canadian wildfires.
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Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to unprecedented wildfires forcing the evacuation of 17,000 people, prompting a request for military assistance from Prime Minister Carney. The city of Flin Flon, with 5,000 residents, was completely evacuated, highlighting the scale of the crisis. The fires, exacerbated by grounded water bombers due to drone interference, have already caused one serious injury and significantly exceed the province’s average wildfire count for this time of year. Assistance from across Canada is being provided to combat the 22 active blazes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker