Carney convenes emergency response group as wildfires intensify across Canada

The meeting brought together cabinet ministers and senior officials to assess the wildfire situation and coordinate the federal response as extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions fuel one of Canada's most severe wildfire seasons on record.

Officials said more than 3,000 people from over 12 communities, including several First Nations, have been evacuated following devastating wildfires in northwestern Ontario this month.

The federal government said it continues to work with the Ontario government and Indigenous leaders, including providing assistance in response to Ontario's request for federal support for air evacuations.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, nearly 300 water bombers, helicopters, reconnaissance aircraft and evacuation planes are supporting wildfire operations nationwide. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has also deployed four CC-130 Hercules aircraft, which have carried out 13 evacuation flights from Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope).

Canada wildfire smoke paints Toronto's sky orange amid worsening air quality on July 15. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The government said emergency responders are using artificial intelligence, drones, predictive analytics, thermal imaging and high-resolution radar to improve wildfire detection and support firefighting operations.

Carney said the federal government would deploy "every resource needed" to protect Canadians and continue working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to strengthen wildfire response efforts.

The Prime Minister also thanked more than 5,300 firefighters and other emergency personnel deployed across Canada, as well as Indigenous leaders, Canadian Armed Forces members and volunteers assisting affected communities.

He acknowledged Mexico's support in the response, noting that the country has committed to sending up to 200 firefighters to Canada in the coming weeks.

Carney urged residents in affected regions to follow instructions from local authorities and avoid non-essential travel to wildfire-hit areas to ensure accommodation remains available for evacuees and emergency responders.