Report a Wildfire

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• I Reported a Wildfire - What Happens Next?
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The best protection against wildfires is prevention. Early detection and reporting can help limit the spread of a fire and reduce damage.

If you see a wildfire or suspect one may have started, report it at once:

You can also learn how to reduce wildfire risk around your home and property by visiting FireSmart Canada. This program offers practical, science‑based guidance for homeowners and communities.

I Reported a Wildfire - What Happens Next?

Every wildfire report is taken seriously. Wildfire response decisions are based on science, experience, and real‑time conditions. Each situation is assessed carefully, since fire behaviour and weather conditions can change rapidly.

When a wildfire is reported or detected, wildfire staff will:

• Assess the location, weather, fuel type, and fire behaviour.
• Decide what resources are required, such as ground crews or aircraft.
• Deploy crews and equipment as quickly and safely as possible.

Depending on the situation, firefighters may work to control wildfires by establishing a control line around the fire as soon as possible. The most common method is to pump water from a hose line connected to a fire truck or portable pump. Crews will also work to separate burning fuels from unburned vegetation

Fire breaks (also called dozer guards) may be used during active wildfires to help slow or stop the spread of a fire. A fire break is an area where vegetation and other burnable material is removed from the fire’s path.

Whether a fire break is used depends on conditions at the time, including:

• How fast the fire is spreading.
• The direction it’s moving.
• The type of vegetation involved.
• The shape of the land (such as hills, valleys, or wetlands).
• What is at risk nearby, such as communities, homes, or critical infrastructure.

If a wildfire is too intense for safe ground operations, aircraft may be used to slow or cool the fire until crews can safely continue suppression on the ground.

Even after a fire is declared under control, it may continue burning below the surface. Crews watch for and extinguish hot spots to prevent flareups, which can take days or even weeks.

Small fires may be handled by local district staff, while large fires can require hundreds of personnel and an Incident Management Team to manage operations, logistics, and safety.

Our crews are trained to recognize fire behavior, and all decisions are made based on that knowledge. We know that the only way to fully put out a fire is to get people on the ground, and all decisions, including the use of air support, are made with the safety of our crews in mind.

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