Stepping into the arena: Team Rubicon Canada helps communities prepare for and recover from wildfire
When disaster strikes, lives are often thrown into chaos. Wildfires, floods, and hurricanes don’t just damage homes, they force people to flee, disrupt communities, and leave individuals and families facing an uncertain future. The road to recovery is long, exhausting, and often unclear. No one should have to walk it alone. That’s where Team Rubicon Canada (TR Canada) steps into the arena.   » Learn more here

A snapshot of Canada's 2024 wildfire season

• Less severe than 2023, but still significant: While the 5,321,091.1 hectares burned in 2024 was a significant decrease from the over 16 million hectares in the record-breaking 2023 season, it was still the sixth-worst on record.
• Extension of 2023: Due to the long 2023 wildfire season, many fires smouldered and reignited in February, making 2024 an extension of the previous year's historic activity.
• Continued strain on national response: Canada spent 39 days at the CIFFC’s Level 5 national preparedness level in July and August, indicating significant wildfire activity requiring mobilization of firefighters and equipment across all regions and a need for international assistance. There were also 13 days at Level 4. While lower than the 119 days at Level 5 in 2023, the 2024 numbers were still significantly higher than pre-2023 years.
• Regional disparities: The wildfire season varied significantly across Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador experienced its largest evacuation in history in Labrador City due to a rapid wildfire. P.E.I. recorded zero hectares burned. Nova Scotia saw a wildfire reprieve after a devastating 2023, with some attribution due to better public awareness. New Brunswick had more small fires, with a high percentage of human-caused fires in 2023 prompting prevention efforts. Quebec had significantly fewer hectares burned than 2023 but still substantial activity, with its first wildfire igniting unusually early. Ontario had a below-average season likely due to decent rainfall. Manitoba experienced an early start and significant fires, leading to evacuations and a request for federal assistance. Saskatchewan had a challenging season with significant hectares burned and early evacuations. Alberta experienced the "most notorious fire of 2024," the Jasper wildfire complex, leading to the evacuation of Jasper and Jasper National Park and tragically the death of a firefighter. This fire was noted for its rapid growth and intensity. British Columbia had the highest number of fires and its fourth-worst season on record, compounded by overwintering fires from 2023. Yukon had a season described as "normal with intense periods" due to lightning. Northwest Territories experienced an active season with significant hectares burned and community evacuations; a helicopter pilot died fighting a fire. Nunavut experienced poor air quality from Quebec wildfires and increased concern and training for wildfire management.
• Varying causes: The causes of wildfires differed regionally. B.C. attributed over 70 per cent to lightning. Alberta reported a near split between human and lightning causes.
• Increased investment: Several provinces and territories announced significant investments in wildfire preparedness, equipment, and training, often with federal support. Examples include Newfoundland and Labrador, P.E.I., Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

Impact on communities: The Jasper wildfire in Alberta caused significant structural damage, destroying roughly 30 per cent of the buildings and leading to a multi-phase rebuilding program.