Almost half of wildland fires are caused by humans
April 1, 2026
Global Korean Post
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In 2025, Ontario saw 643 wildland fires and 597,654 hectares burned – equivalent to an area larger than the size of Prince Edward Island. Over the past ten years, Ontario has averaged approximately 712 fires per year with 210, 232.6 hectares burned annually.
Ontario government announced on March 31 that the province is ready to protect people and communities this wildland fire season, which lasts from April 1 until October 31. To prepare for the 2026 fire season, the province has added an additional 68 permanent staff and increased compensation for critical staff including wildland firefighters, pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers.
In addition to the new staffing measures, Ontario and Canada are investing in projects through the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative that will help enhance local training, education and outreach programs. These measures will ensure communities across the province are equipped with the tools and resources to prevent and mitigate wildland fire risks, while advancing science and research projects to reduce wildland fire risk.
Approximately 50 per cent of all wildland fires are caused by humans. There are actions the public can take to reduce the risks of forest fires:
- Before starting an outdoor fire, check the interactive map at ontario.ca/ForestFires and ensure you are aware of the fire hazard and restrictions in place in your area.
- Ensure campfires do not get too big and are fully extinguished at the end of the evening or prior to leaving the site. Have tools and water on hand to control outdoor fires.
- To learn more about how to prepare your community or property to reduce the risk or impact of a wildland fire, please visit how to prevent forest fires and ontario.ca/FireSmart.
ddited by Global Korean Post
ⓒ Global Korean Post
