Rki.news
OTTAWA, July 19: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for an “all-hands-on-deck” response as the country faces one of its most severe wildfire seasons in recent history.
Carney expressed particular concern over Northwestern Ontario, where wildfires have forced more than 10 communities to evacuate. He said over 5,300 firefighters have been deployed nationwide, supported by nearly 300 aircraft to combat the spreading blazes.
The prime minister said Canada is using advanced tools, including data systems, drones and thermal imaging technology, to improve fire detection and response efforts.
The wildfire crisis has intensified due to extreme heat and drought conditions. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre said national preparedness has reached Level 4, requiring major coordination of resources across jurisdictions.
Officials reported 3,839 wildfires across Canada this year, burning more than 2.9 million hectares of forest. Nearly 1,000 fires remain active, with hundreds classified as uncontrolled.
Northern Ontario remains one of the hardest-hit areas, with widespread evacuations and smoke affecting air quality in parts of Canada and the United States.