Forest fire season 2026 in Newfoundland and Labrador highlighted the importance of wildfire preparedness and prevention and strong response efforts, with wildfire personnel, partner agencies and communities working together to help ensure safer communities for all of us.
The forest fire season recorded 133 wildfires and an approximate burn area of 96,000 hectares, mainly in Labrador. In 2025, 244 wildfires burned more than 18,500 hectares.
The 2026 Forest Fire season by region:
| Region | Number of Wildfires | Area Burned |
| Labrador | 57 | 96,269.1 ha |
| Eastern Newfoundland | 56 | 45.9 ha |
| Western Newfoundland | 21 | 13.4 ha |
There were 81 confirmed human-caused wildfires this season, compared to 230 in 2025. For the first time in recent years, lightning was the leading cause of wildfires, up from 13 last season to 50 confirmed lightning-caused fires in 2026.
Increased wildfire activity in Newfoundland and Labrador in recent years reinforces the importance of wildfire preparedness and prevention.
The Provincial Government continues to deliver on its commitment to strengthen public safety and ensure safer communities. This includes the return of the province’s fifth water bomber to the provincial fleet and amendments to the Forestry Act that strengthen penalties for fire-related offences.
Government is also working to recruit and hire more wildland firefighters and continues to invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives. Budget 2026 has provided more than $7 million to support firefighting and emergency services resources throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quote
“Each forest fire season brings with it a great deal of uncertainty. The best way to be prepared is to have the proper resources and plans in place to help protect our people and communities. Through investments in wildfire prevention, emergency response and community preparedness, our government is helping ensure we are ready to respond to future challenges. I want to thank our firefighters, emergency personnel, department staff, volunteers and all those who worked tirelessly throughout the 2026 forest fire season to help keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians safe.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
-30-
Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @FAL_GovNL
Like FAL on Facebook