Canada is experiencing longer, larger, and more destructive wildfire seasons, as indicated by a comprehensive analysis of fire records spanning six decades conducted by the Canadian Forest Service. The study reveals that the increase in wildfires is primarily driven by a smaller number of larger wildfires burning more land, rather than a rise in the frequency of fires. This trend, initially identified by federal scientists years ago, has been reinforced by a recent study in 2019 that highlighted a steady escalation of wildfire activity since the mid-20th century, attributed to rising temperatures and extended fire seasons.
The latest research, published in the Canadian Journal of Forest Research, has extended the analysis through 2024, utilizing enhanced satellite mapping and data from severe fire seasons, including 2021, 2023, and 2024. The findings show a continuous rise in the area burned by wildfires across various eco-zones in Canada, with regions like the Pacific Northwest and Atlantic Canada, traditionally considered lower risk due to wetter conditions, now exhibiting flat or increasing fire trends.
Notably, the study emphasizes that the largest wildfires are causing a growing proportion of damage. While lightning remains a primary cause of wildfires, human-induced fires have been on the rise since the early 2000s, attributed to hotter and drier conditions that make fire ignition more challenging to control. Chelene Hanes, a research scientist at the Canadian Forest Service, points out that the increasing scale and intensity of these fires necessitate a shift in firefighting tactics towards containment and protection rather than extinguishment.
The impact of these large wildfire events is becoming increasingly evident on a national scale, with recent years witnessing devastating wildfires across Canada. In 2021, extreme heat and record temperatures led to wildfires in British Columbia, notably destroying the village of Lytton after recording Canada’s highest-ever temperature. The 2023 wildfire season was described as the most severe in Canadian history, scorching over 15 million hectares and causing significant smoke pollution. In 2024, a wildfire in Jasper National Park in Alberta resulted in mass evacuations and extensive property damage.
The changing wildfire landscape is also affecting Canada’s insurance industry, with rising wildfire risk reshaping insurance losses, premiums, and housing decisions nationwide. Insurance losses from wildfires in Canada have surged over the past decade, prompting adjustments in coverage pricing for high-risk communities. Insurers are adapting by modifying policies and premiums to manage their risk exposure in areas prone to wildfires, ensuring that coverage remains available and affordable for Canadian homeowners.
