Canada is grappling with one of its most severe wildfire seasons on record, with fires burning across multiple provinces and territories and blanketing large areas of North America in a thick, unhealthy haze. As of early August, over 6.5 million hectares (16.2 million acres) have been scorched, an area significantly larger than the 10-year average and already surpassing the total land burned in 2024.
By the Numbers:
* Total Hectares Burned: Approximately 6.56 million hectares as of August 2, with the majority of the area burned in Saskatchewan (2.3 million ha) and Manitoba (1.5 million ha).
* Total Fires: Over 3,800 wildfires have been reported nationwide, with hundreds remaining active, many of them out of control.
* Carbon Emissions: Wildfire carbon emissions for 2025 are on track to be the second-highest on record, following the unprecedented 2023 season. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have already seen their highest cumulative wildfire carbon emissions on record.
* Evacuations: Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, and two civilian deaths have been reported.
Widespread Air Quality Impact
The smoke from the fires has become a major concern, traveling thousands of kilometers and causing air quality alerts across Canada and the United States. In recent days, the U.S. Midwest has been particularly affected, with states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan experiencing unhealthy air quality levels. The city of Minneapolis was recently listed as having some of the worst air pollution in the world.
Health officials are warning people, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, and the elderly, to limit their time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities. The smoke, which contains fine particulate matter ($PM_{2.5}$), can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause a range of health issues from irritated eyes and coughing to more serious cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Contributing Factors and Forecast
According to officials, this year's intense fire season is a result of a multi-year drought in some regions, coupled with high temperatures and strong winds—conditions that are consistent with climate change projections. A forecast from federal officials indicates a high risk of more fires breaking out in August, with higher-than-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall expected in parts of the country.
Hundreds of international firefighters, including more than 600 from the United States, are in Canada assisting local crews in their efforts to contain the blazes. While the current season has surpassed last year's in terms of hectares burned, it is not yet on track to exceed the record-breaking 2023 season, which saw over 15 million hectares consumed.
