Wildfire season ramps up in Western Canada amid conducive conditions
The wildfire season in Western Canada is off to a hot start with a rise in the number of blazes in B.C. and Alberta in recent weeks
The recent heat and ongoing dry conditions in B.C. and parts of the Prairies have led to an increase in wildfires and the overall threat of additional blazes in recent weeks.
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Canada has had more than 7,000 hectares of land burned to date, with 88 active wildfires burning across the country–-the bulk of which is in B.C. and Alberta.
Below is a snapshot of the current wildfire situation in B.C. and Alberta.
B.C.:
As of Sunday, May 4, there are 46 active wildfires in B.C., with 10 of them having been ignited in the past 24 hours. So far this year, there have been 151 blazes started 2025.
"We urge people to refrain from conducting any open burning during this period of elevated fire danger. Please check your local weather forecast before resuming open burning this spring," said BC Wildfire Service, on its website.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, human activity is the leading cause of spring wildfires in the province (87 per cent). The total number of hectares burned is currently 1,461.
Alberta:
Alberta is seeing a similar situation with its current wildfire season.
As of Sunday, May 4, there are 15 active wildfires--with 248 in the year so far. A total 963 hectares has been burned to date, with 59 per cent of the blazes started by humans.
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Stay with The Weather Network for more information and updates on the wildfire season across B.C. and Alberta.
Thumbnail courtesy of Schroptschop via Getty Images.