Ontario Prepares for 2026 Wildland Fire Season with Increased Staffing and Investments

The fire season runs from April 1 to October 31, with officials emphasizing readiness amid growing wildfire risks linked to climate conditions and human activity.

Additional Staff and Increased Compensation

To strengthen frontline response, the province has added 68 new permanent positions and increased compensation for key personnel, including wildland firefighters, pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.

“We are ready to protect communities from wildland fires, with all the necessary resources in place,” said Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris.

Ontario has also filled 100 permanent positions between 2024 and 2025, part of a broader effort to stabilize and expand its wildfire workforce.

Strengthening Ontario’s Wildfire Response System

The province continues to invest in what it describes as a world-class wildland fire program, supported by:

• More than $500 million to acquire six Canadian-made De Havilland DHC-515 waterbombers
• A $64 million joint investment with the federal government in 2024 for upgraded equipment and suppression tools
• New regulations under the Wildland Fire Management Act, taking effect April 1, 2026

Ontario maintains a fleet of 28 specialized aircraft and employs hundreds of staff across multiple fire management bases, logistics centres and operational hubs to protect approximately 90 million hectares of public land.

We are ready for the 2026 wildland fire season.

With new staff in place, increased compensation and investments in community-based projects, Ontario has the people and resources in place to protect communities from wildland fires.

Learn more: https://t.co/oC0hfdtEMN pic.twitter.com/Zj3U1sOTRK

— Mike Harris (@mikeharrisjrpc) March 31, 2026

Focus on Prevention and Community Preparedness

The province is also investing in prevention and education through the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, in partnership with the federal government.

The program supports:

• Community training and outreach
• Fire prevention education
• Research to reduce wildfire risks

Officials note that approximately 50 per cent of wildland fires are caused by human activity, highlighting the importance of public awareness and prevention measures.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Check local fire hazard conditions before starting outdoor fires
• Keep campfires small and fully extinguish them
• Use available tools and water to control fires

Additional resources are available through Ontario’s FireSmart program and online wildfire information tools.

Rising Wildfire Risks Across Ontario

In 2025, Ontario recorded 643 wildland fires, burning nearly 597,654 hectares, an area larger than Prince Edward Island. Over the past decade, the province has averaged approximately 712 fires annually.

The government says increased funding and preparedness measures are critical to responding to these evolving risks.

“Our government is equipping communities with the resources and tools they need to prepare for and respond decisively to natural disasters,” said Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop.

Coordinated Response Across Jurisdictions

Ontario continues to collaborate with provincial, territorial, federal and international partners to share personnel, equipment and aircraft during periods of heightened wildfire activity.

Federal officials say joint efforts through the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative will help strengthen local capacity and reduce wildfire impacts.

“By working together, we can reduce the risks and impacts of wildfires for families and communities,” said Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

For ongoing updates on public safety, environmental risks and emergency preparedness across Ontario, follow GTA Today.