What Happened to Ontario Wildfires?
Ontario has experienced fluctuating but often severe wildfire seasons in recent years, with 2023 being Canada's worst on record and 2025 seeing a significantly above-average area burned in the province. In response to these challenges, Ontario has ramped up its preparedness for the 2026 fire season, which officially began on April 1, 2026, by increasing staff, investing in new equipment, and updating regulations.
Quick Answer
Ontario's wildfire activity has been a significant concern in recent years, particularly with the record-setting 2023 season across Canada and an active 2025 season that burned nearly 600,000 hectares in the province. As of April 1, 2026, Ontario has officially entered its new wildfire season with enhanced readiness measures. These include adding 68 permanent staff, increasing compensation for wildland firefighters, and committing over $500 million for new waterbombers, alongside updated regulations under the Wildland Fire Management Act to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Start of Canada's Record-Setting Wildfire Season
Canada experienced the beginning of its worst wildfire season on record, with Ontario significantly impacted.
Severe Air Quality in Ontario
Smoke from wildfires caused air quality in Ottawa, Toronto, and most of Southern Ontario to reach the highest level on Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index, making it the worst in the province.
End of 2023 Wildland Fire Season
Ontario's 2023 season concluded with 741 fires and 441,474 hectares burned, nearly three times the 10-year average.
Below Average Wildfire Activity in Early 2024
Ontario experienced a significantly below-average number of wildfires (257 fires) and hectares burned compared to the 10-year average for the same period.
End of 2024 Wildland Fire Season
Ontario's 2024 season ended with 475 fires and nearly 90,000 hectares burned, which was less active than recent years, though crews assisted other provinces.
Introduction of Resource Management and Safety Act
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources introduced Bill 228, the proposed Resource Management and Safety Act, 2024, to modernize wildfire management.
Start of Active 2025 Wildfire Season
The 2025 Canadian wildfire season began with over 160 wildfires, primarily in Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, with Ontario experiencing an early active start.
End of 2025 Wildland Fire Season
Ontario's 2025 fire season concluded with 643 fires and 597,654 hectares burned, significantly above the 10-year average and making it a costly season.
Ontario Announces Readiness for 2026 Fire Season
Ontario announced its readiness for the upcoming fire season, detailing new staff, increased compensation, and investments in equipment and regulations.
Official Start of 2026 Wildland Fire Season and New Regulations
Ontario's legislated wildland fire season officially began, with new and amended regulations under the Wildland Fire Management Act taking effect to modernize fire management.
Continued Urging for Public Prevention
Officials continue to urge residents to take action to reduce human-caused fires, as human activity remains a leading cause of wildland fires in Ontario.
Monitoring Conditions in Northwestern Ontario
The Ministry of Natural Resources is closely monitoring conditions in Northwestern Ontario, noting variable snow depths and the potential for rapid changes in fire hazard.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Ontario has faced increasingly challenging wildland fire seasons, reflecting a broader trend across Canada attributed to climate change. The 2023 wildfire season was unprecedented, marking the worst on record for Canada, with Ontario experiencing significant fire activity and widespread smoke that led to some of the worst air quality globally at times. During this period, Ontario recorded 741 fires, burning 441,474 hectares, which was almost three times the 10-year average.
Following the intense 2023 season, 2024 saw a comparatively quieter period for Ontario, with 480 fires burning nearly 90,000 hectares, well below the 10-year average. Despite the lower activity within the province, Ontario's firefighting crews were actively deployed to assist other Canadian provinces battling their own significant blazes.
The 2025 wildfire season, however, proved to be another challenging year for Ontario. The province recorded 643 fires between April and October, resulting in 597,654 hectares burned. This figure is significantly higher than the 10-year average of approximately 210,000 hectares and made 2025 Canada's second-worst wildfire season on record nationally. The early active start to the season necessitated coordinated efforts from frontline staff, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.
In anticipation of future fire seasons, particularly in light of the escalating risks, Ontario has undertaken substantial measures for 2026. The province's wildland fire season officially commenced on April 1, 2026. Preparations include the addition of 68 permanent staff positions, increased compensation for wildland firefighters, pilots, and aircraft maintenance engineers. Furthermore, Ontario has committed over $500 million to acquire six new Canadian-made De Havilland DHC-515 waterbombers, expected to arrive in the early 2030s, and invested $64 million in partnership with the federal government in 2024 for upgraded equipment and training. New and amended regulations under the Wildland Fire Management Act also took effect on April 1, 2026, aiming to modernize fire management, strengthen compliance, and enhance protection against growing threats. These proactive steps underscore Ontario's commitment to strengthening its wildland fire program and improving readiness for what is projected to be another potentially active year across Canada.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ontario Wildfires made different choices?