Canada's 2026 wildfire season ranks fourth worst on record with two months still to go

Canada's 2026 wildfire season is shaping up to be the fourth worst on record, the federal government reports. As of August 19, 4,793 fires had burned 4.1 million hectares — well above the 2.7-million-hectare annual average. The season does not end until October 31. CIFFC has set national preparedness to Level 5, its highest tier, with international assistance requested.