OTTAWA—Canada was battling nearly 1,000 active wildfires on Monday as authorities warned that smoke from blazes burning across several provinces continued to degrade air quality over large parts of Canada and the United States, prompting health advisories and straining firefighting resources.
The national wildland fire summary showed close to 1,000 active fires from coast to coast, with hundreds classified as out of control. Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan remained among the provinces facing the most significant wildfire activity, while evacuation orders and alerts continued in several affected communities.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said more than 5,000 firefighters, supported by nearly 300 waterbombers and other aircraft, were deployed to combat the fires. He described 2026 as one of Canada's most intense wildfire seasons, citing prolonged heat and dry conditions that have accelerated fire behaviour.
Smoke from the fires spread across central and eastern Canada into the U.S. Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, triggering air-quality alerts and public health warnings. Officials urged residents, particularly children, older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit outdoor activity when smoke concentrations reached hazardous levels.
Environment and emergency officials said wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Several jurisdictions advised residents to use high-quality masks outdoors when necessary and seek cleaner indoor air during periods of heavy smoke.
The wildfire crisis also drew political attention after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had urged Carney to do more to bring the fires under control because smoke had affected multiple U.S. states. Canada's government has emphasized that thousands of personnel are engaged in suppression efforts and that wildfire response is being coordinated with provincial, territorial and international partners.
According to Public Safety Canada, wildfire activity intensified after a relatively slow start to the 2026 season as hotter, drier weather spread across much of the country. Officials have said climate conditions have increased fire danger in many regions and warned that the wildfire season is expected to remain active.
Emergency authorities said firefighting operations, evacuations and air-quality monitoring were continuing nationwide, with officials urging residents in affected areas to follow local evacuation orders and public health guidance as conditions evolve.
