Ottawa Mobilizes Aircraft and Military Support as Wildfires Intensify Across Canada
Canada Wildfire Response Expands as Federal Government Coordinates National Emergency Efforts
OTTAWA — The federal government says hundreds of wildfires are burning across every province and territory as emergency teams respond to what officials describe as one of the most intense wildfire seasons in Canadian history.
Prime Minister Mark Carney convened the federal Incident Response Group on July 22 to review wildfire conditions, evacuations and assistance being provided to affected communities.
Extreme heat and record-breaking dry conditions have contributed to increased fire activity across Canada, which contains approximately 28 per cent of the world’s boreal forest.
Northwestern Ontario Communities Evacuated
More than 3,000 people from over 12 communities in Northwestern Ontario have been evacuated during July, including residents of several First Nations.
The federal government is coordinating with Ontario and First Nations leadership following a provincial request for federal assistance with air-evacuation operations.
Nearly 300 water bombers, helicopters, reconnaissance planes and evacuation aircraft were supporting wildfire operations across the country at the time of the federal briefing.
The Canadian Armed Forces deployed four CC-130 Hercules aircraft to conduct 13 evacuation flights from Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope.
Today, I convened the Incident Response Group to discuss the escalating wildfire situation across our country.
As extreme heat waves and record-breaking dry conditions are creating one of the most intense wildfire seasons in Canadian history, we are mobilising more than 5,300…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 22, 2026
Technology Supporting Fire Response
Wildfire teams are using predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, drones, high-resolution radar imagery and thermal-imaging technology to improve real-time fire detection and response.
The federal government said those tools are being used alongside aircraft and ground crews to track fire behaviour, identify risks and support mitigation efforts.
More than 5,300 firefighting personnel had been deployed across Canada during the summer.
Mexico has also committed to sending as many as 200 firefighters to assist Canadian crews in the coming weeks.
Canadians Urged to Follow Local Directions
Carney directed ministers and senior officials to continue coordinating with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners.
People in affected regions were urged to follow instructions from local emergency authorities. The Prime Minister also asked travellers to avoid non-essential trips to impacted communities so hotel rooms and other accommodations remain available for evacuees and emergency personnel.
The federal government said it remains prepared to deploy additional resources where required.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, July 22, 2026.
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