TORONTO, May 29, 2026 – The federal government released its 2026 wildfire season preparedness and forecast update on May 28. Public Safety Canada said that, as of the announcement date, there were 65 active wildfires across the country, including six that were out of control, with more than 18,935 hectares burned so far this year. From June to August, nearly all regions of Canada are expected to see above-normal temperatures, and wildfire risk is expected to rise in many areas around July. For seniors living in high-rise apartments in the GTA, families with asthma or chronic illness, residents with young children and outdoor workers, wildfires do not have to occur near Ontario to affect air quality and daily routines through smoke.
Federal information shows that western Canada continues to face long-term precipitation deficits. Natural Resources Canada models predict that wildfire danger will gradually build in July, with British Columbia facing the highest and longest-lasting risk. At the same time, parts of northern, central and eastern Canada may also quickly experience higher fire danger. The government recommends that residents use the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System to understand local risk and WeatherCAN to receive weather alerts.
For Toronto residents, this type of update should not be seen only as “wildfire news from the West.” In recent years, wildfire smoke has affected urban air quality across regions. Seniors living in high-rise apartments who do not know how to check the Air Quality Health Index may continue keeping windows open for long periods on smoky days. Residents with respiratory conditions who have not prepared medications, masks or indoor air filtration equipment in advance may find it too late to purchase supplies once air quality worsens.
Newcomer families may also face barriers in accessing information. Weather apps, government alerts, public health notices and school outdoor activity updates are often in English, and seniors at home may not understand them quickly. Families with children should confirm in advance whether schools or summer camps will adjust outdoor activities during poor air quality. Outdoor workers and delivery drivers should also watch whether employers have heat and smoke-related arrangements, and prepare masks, drinking water and rest plans when needed.
It is important to note that a federal forecast does not mean Toronto will definitely experience severe smoke, nor does it mean every region faces the same level of risk. Wildfire risk, wind direction, rainfall and air quality can all change. Air purifiers, closing windows and wearing suitable masks can reduce exposure risk, but they are not a substitute for medical advice. People with asthma, heart or lung disease, or other chronic conditions should prepare medications and emergency contacts according to medical advice.
The government reminds Canadians that they can use WeatherCAN to check weather alerts and visit Get Prepared for household emergency planning information. For families with seniors, young children or people with chronic illness, now is the time to check whether medications are sufficient, whether weather alert apps are installed, and whether family members know to close windows, reduce outdoor activity and contact the right person for help when air quality worsens. Residents unfamiliar with English-language information can ask family members or community organizations to help set up alerts, instead of waiting until smoke arrives to search for information.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
