Canada Wildfire
Emergency Response
Wildfires are again forcing tens of thousands of Canadians from their homes. IDRF is launching a wildfire response in British Columbia and Northwestern Ontario, where major fires continue to destroy homes and livelihoods. Your support can help equip local responders and stand with the families affected.
Current Situation
British Columbia is under a provincial state of emergency as major wildfires burn across the province. The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland and Peachland has driven the largest evacuation of the B.C. wildfire season, forcing more than 20,000 people from their homes in the Okanagan Valley. At least one person has died. As of August 12, the fire remained out of control, with officials describing conditions as exceptionally dry. Families are still unable to return home as firefighters, heavy equipment and aviation crews work around the affected communities.
Northwestern Ontario remains heavily affected. As of August 10, 112 wildfires were active in the Northwest Region, including 12 that were not under control. Thunder Bay 36, one of the largest active fires in Canada at roughly 301,240 hectares, also remained out of control, with other major fires burning across the region. Northern and Indigenous communities have been hit especially hard: a fast-moving wildfire destroyed homes and buildings in Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (also known as Collins First Nation), north of Thunder Bay.
Our response
Through our local emergency-response partner, IDRF can help provide fire skid units to rural and volunteer fire departments. These self-contained systems turn a pickup truck or utility vehicle into a small, highly mobile firefighting unit. Each includes a 1,000-litre water tank, high-pressure pump and hose, allowing crews to reach rugged or remote areas that full-sized fire engines cannot. We will also distribute food parcels and hygiene kits to affected families, with a focus on Indigenous communities.
$100 provides one family with emergency aid
