Buildings are seen from the observation deck of the CN Tower as smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario blankets the city of Toronto, Thursday, July 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

By The Canadian Press

Fires from coast to coast: A look at the wildfire situation across the country

Jul 17, 2026 | 7:39 AM

Wildfires are burning in several provinces, forcing thousands of people from their homes. Smoke from those fires is choking out millions in major cities across North America.

Here’s a brief look at what is happening in different parts of the country:

ONTARIO

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says approximately 190 wildfires are raging in the province’s north.

Those fires have already burned through more land than all of last year’s fire season total.

Emergency Disaster Services

Vernon Salvation Army mobile team out supporting vulnerable people

5m ago

Housing Starts

Local housing construction declined in June, down for year so far

5h ago

Employee Safety

Employers responsible for worker safety as heat wave hits Okanagan: WorksSafeBC

22h ago

Provincial officials say more than 150 fire crews and more than 80 water bombers and helicopters are battling the forest fires.

More than 80 of those fires are out of control and information from the Ministry of Natural Resources shows that 20 new fires were confirmed Friday in the northeast region alone.

Flames have razed the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, also known as Collins First Nation, north of Thunder Bay. 

Ten northern communities have been evacuated or have evacuations underway, and four more preparing for possible evacuations.

The Ontario government and the Assembly of First Nations have called on Ottawa to provide immediate support.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

The number of active wildfires in British Columbia spiked for a second straight day after thunderstorms rolled through parts of the province’s south overnight.

Patricia Ross, board chair with the Fraser Valley Regional District, says rapid damage assessments found the Ainslie Creek wildfire north of Boston Bar, B.C., has destroyed at least seven buildings, including four homes or seasonal cabins.

That blaze, and another nearby, make up the Brunswick complex spanning just over 200 square kilometres.

The flames had flared up after a lull, prompting wildfire officials to recommend upgrading an evacuation alert to an order for Boston Bar, a community of about 170 residents, on Thursday.

Gordon Robinson, a fire information officer assigned to the complex, says conditions are cooler and more humid on Friday, allowing crews to restart their direct attack. But Robinson says a return to hot, dry conditions is forecasted for the coming days.

NOVA SCOTIA

As many as 150 people have been ordered out of a rural area northeast of Halifax because of an out-of-control wildfire. The mandatory evacuation covers part of Mooseland Road, stretching south to Highway 7.

The province says the fire has grown to 17 square kilometres. Crews have been battling it since Wednesday.

MANITOBA

About 600 members of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation remain out of their homes due to a fire about 172 square kilometres in size.

The remote community in northern Manitoba was evacuated June 26.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Fires forced about 1,300 residents of Fort Simpson and 130 from Wrigley from the communities in late June. They remain out, with many staying in Yellowknife.

Officials say the fire north of Wrigley has moved closer to the community, but cooler temperatures are expected to help. The fire near Fort Simpson remains out of control with hot and dry conditions.

AIR QUALITY

Environment Canada has air quality warnings in place for a wide swath of the country, including southern Ontario, where millions of people are being choked out by thick, gritty air.

The agency says the hazy, smoky conditions may briefly improve during the day before poor air quality returns in the evening. The weather agency says smoky skies could persist into the weekend. 

The smoke has reached major cities in the United States, including New York, Chicago and Detroit. Some American lawmakers have taken note, criticizing Canada’s forest management practices.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press