Timely fire mapping for Canada: Preventing health, environmental, and business losses
Forest fire history in Canada
Wildfires have always been a part of Canada's landscape. The country's boreal forest, which covers about half of its landmass, is naturally fire-prone. These forests are made up of dense stands of evergreen trees that produce a lot of flammable material.
Climate change is a major factor contributing to the increasing severity of wildfires in Canada. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions create a more favorable environment for fires to start and spread. In addition, climate change is causing the boreal forest to change, with some areas becoming more fire-prone.
The 2023 wildfire season in Canada has been the worst on record. As of September 5, 2023, more than 8.1 million hectares have been burned. The fires have affected all 13 provinces and territories, but the most damage has been in Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories.