CP NewsAlert: Federal official say forecast suggests high risk of wildfires in August

By Canadian Press on July 18, 2025.

OTTAWA — Federal officials say the 2025 wildfire season is one of the worst on record for Canada, with a high risk of more fires in August.

More than 5.5 million hectares of land have burned so far this year, more than double the 10-year average for mid-July.

There are 561 fires burning, including 69 that are considered out of control, and most of them are on the Prairies.

Officials say the fire risk rises throughout August and they are predicting higher than normal temperatures for most of the country next month.

August is also slated to bring below-normal rainfall levels for the Prairies, B.C. and the Maritimes.

Saskatchewan has already seen one of the worst fire seasons ever in terms of area burned, and a record number of people have been forced out of their homes in that province.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2025.

Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press