OTTAWA, ON, Jun 12, 2025 (CNW Group via COMTEX) --
Canadians are coming together to confront a severe wildfire season, driven by rising temperatures and dry conditions. It has already had devastating impacts in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
Today, the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, Eleanor Olszewski, joined by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson; the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Julie Dabrusin; and the Minister of Indigenous Services, Mandy Gull-Masty, delivered the latest assessment of the 2025 wildfire season.
Minister Olszewski reported that, as of today, there are 225 wildfires in Canada and 121 of them are still out of control. The total area burned so far this year is over 3.7 million hectares. And thousands of firefighters are working tirelessly to contain these fires.
On evacuations, the two Requests for Federal Assistance (RFA) made by the Manitoba government on May 28 to support the Pimicikamak and Mathias Colomb Cree Nations were completed with the help of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The RFA from Ontario made on June 7 for the evacuation of Sandy Lake is also complete.
These successful operations were the result of the CAF, provincial counterparts, and non-governmental organizations working around the clock to help the evacuees, find them shelters and fight the fires.
Wildfires are causing widespread damage to communities, ecosystems, infrastructure and air quality, posing serious risks to public health and safety. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, preparation and public awareness have never been so important.
Canadians can access information through the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System and learn how to protect themselves by visiting Get Prepared.
Looking ahead, forecasts point to above-normal temperatures from June through August this year, with potential drought intensifying across many areas in the coming weeks, especially in the northern Prairies and northwestern Ontario.
Due to these weather forecasts, NRCan modeling predicts elevated fire risk for the first half of June over the northern prairies, southcentral British Columbia and northwestern Ontario. In mid-June, precipitation is anticipated to return to near-normal levels.
In July, high fire risk is predicted to expand across western Canada, with the most significant risk expected in southern British Columbia. Roughly normal conditions are anticipated for eastern Canada in June and July.
In August, wildfire activity is expected to continue to increase and persist to well above average conditions over much of western Canada, although it is too early to be certain.
The federal government stands ready to mobilize additional support wherever needed and in all aspects. We also remain focused on supporting prevention, preparedness, and public awareness efforts.
Quotes
"Our new government remains firm in its commitment to help Canadians prepare for and respond to the growing impact of extreme weather associated to climate change. Through strong cooperation with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, international partners, and non-governmental organizations, we are taking action to protect Canadians from wildfires. We're here for Canadians, and your safety will always be our priority."
- The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"Wildfires pose a real threat to the safety, health, and economic well-being of communities across Canada. Our government is working with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and others to strengthen Canada's wildfire preparedness and responseâ??from advancing science and forecasting, to building the capacity of frontline responders. Together, we are investing in the resilient infrastructure and collaborative systems that Canadians need to stay safe now and into the future."
- The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, timely and accurate information is essential to protect the health and safety of Canadians, especially from hazardous smoke during wildfires. Regular, coordinated forecasts help Canadians from coast to coast to coast prepare for current and future climate risks, so our communities can better adapt, respond, and stay safe in the face of climate change."
â?? The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"Canada's wildfire season has begun with intense activity affecting First Nations communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontarioâ??communities that continue to face disproportionate risks from these extreme events. First Nations know what their communities need to prepare, respond, and recover and we are working to ensure they have the tools they need. As the threat to health and safety persists, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, and First Nations leadership who are standing with these communities in this challenging time."
â?? The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services
"Wildfires pose a serious risk to physical and mental health, including from smoke exposure and the stress of evacuations. It is important to stay informed, take the necessary precautions and look out for one another during wildfire season."
â?? The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health
Quick Facts
Associated Links
SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
SOURCE: Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Contacts: Mathis Denis, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Eleanor
Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister
responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, mathis.denis@ps-sp.gc.ca; Media
Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, media@ps-sp.gc.ca; Natural Resources
Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6096, media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca; Carolyn Svonkin,
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources,
carolyn.svonkin@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change
Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), media@ec.gc.ca; Media Relations,
Indigenous Services Canada, 800-567-9604, media@sac-isc.gc.ca; Media Relations,
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, media@hc-sc.gc.ca
COMTEX_466312201/2197/2025-06-12T12:46:00
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