What Property Owners Need to Know Right Now

Wildfire activity across Canada and the western United States has surged dramatically this July, with over 500 active fires recorded nationwide and more than 200 burning out of control. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of the Northwest Territories are facing some of the highest fire loads in recent history — triggering new evacuation orders, highway closures, and air quality alerts. Alberta remains under watch, with localized flare-ups and smoke drift affecting air quality in several regions.

For both homeowners in wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones and commercial property owners near forested or grassland regions, this isn’t just another bad season. It’s a critical time to re-evaluate your wildfire defense strategy.

Key Wildfire Stats (as of July 20, 2025)

• National Wildfire Database: 561 active wildfires across Canada, with 69 currently classified as out of control.
• Saskatchewan & Manitoba: These are now the most heavily impacted provinces, with multiple out-of-control fires and recent evacuation orders affecting northern communities.
• Northwest Territories: Aggressive fire growth near Jean Marie River and Fort Smith continues to drive emergency response efforts.
• Evacuation Orders: In effect across parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories.
• Air Quality: Dense smoke has caused intermittent air quality alerts across the Prairies, including Saskatoon and southern Manitoba. Calgary and Edmonton are currently in moderate-risk zones.

Track Wildfires in Real-Time (Natural Resources Canada)

What’s Driving This Surge?

Meteorologists attribute the current surge in wildfire activity to a combination of prolonged drought, record-breaking heatwaves, and dry lightning events, particularly across the Prairies and the North.

While British Columbia has seen some lightning-caused fires earlier this season, it is not currently a hotspot. The majority of July’s new fire starts have been concentrated in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories, many of them lightning-ignited in dry boreal zones. 

Alberta's fire danger remains moderate, with localized areas showing high risk — but it is not under extreme province-wide threat as it was in spring.

What This Means for Property Owners

For Homeowners:

• WUI properties are at increased risk from ember attacks — flying embers that ignite roofs, decks, and dry vegetation.
• Most structure loss during wildfires begins with embers entering attic vents, eaves, and vegetation within 10m of the home.
• Home defense kits (with fire-rated hose, sprinkler kits, and water supply pumps) are now considered essential in rural zones.

Shop Ember Protection Here

For Commercial Property Owners:

Industrial parks, warehouses, and agricultural facilities adjacent to brush or tree lines must assess:

• Ventilation intake vulnerabilities
• Combustible material storage
• Staff training for emergency response

Many commercial claims are denied due to lack of active fire suppression systems or non-compliance with NFPA wildfire readiness guidelines.

NFPA Wildfire Preparedness for Businesses

Immediate Actions You Can Take

• Clear Your 0–10 Meter Zone: Remove brush, mulch, and woodpiles. Clean gutters and cut grass. This is the critical ignition zone.
• Check Your Fire Equipment: Test pumps, hoses, extinguishers, and backup generators. Ensure everything is operable and accessible.
• Review Your Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your policy covers wildfire-related damage, including smoke and heat exposure.
• Install Ember Protection: Mesh screens over attic vents, fire-resistant roof materials, and perimeter sprinklers make a measurable difference.

What to Expect Next

• July 25–Aug 10: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories are forecast to remain under high to extreme fire risk due to continued heat and dry conditions. While parts of Alberta may experience above-average temperatures, British Columbia is not projected for record-breaking heat, and fire activity is expected to remain stable.
• NWT Outlook: Satellite monitoring indicates continued fire growth potential near Fort Smith, Jean Marie River, and the South Slave Region, driven by wind and dry fuel beds.
• Smoke Plumes: Air quality across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and parts of Ontario is expected to fluctuate through late July due to heavy wildfire smoke. Calgary and Edmonton are currently in the moderate range but could see temporary smoke drift depending on wind direction.

Wildfire Smoke Forecast (FireSmoke Canada)

Final Thought

Whether you're safeguarding a family home or managing a facility with millions in assets, the message this season is clear: wildfire readiness isn’t optional. The speed and scale of today’s fires leave little time for reactive measures. Proactive protection saves property — and lives.

For specialized wildfire defense kits, pump systems, and strategic equipment, contact our team. We’re here to support both homeowners and businesses facing fire-season risks head-on.