Canada is experiencing its second worst forest fire season on record. So far this year, almost an unimaginable 18.8 million acres have burned in wildfires. This figure is roughly equal to the entire land mass of Panama. It has officially, as of mid-August, broken the previous record of 7.1 million hectares set during the country’s second worst wildfire season in 1995. It’s a recipe that experts worry could sustain a summer of historic wildfire activity. They don’t think this year will beat the record of 17.3 million hectares burned already this year.
The recent wildfire on Mount Underwood, close to the City of Port Alberni, had many residents worried. On August 12, 2025, this fire prompted nearly 20,000 people in the area to be on standby for possible evacuation. Recently, local officials lowered the threat level. They announced that the immediate area is “no longer an active threat to life and safety.”
Experts Highlight Climate Change Impact
Professionals are sounding the alarm that climate change fuels Canada’s increasing wildfire crisis. Climate change impacts including increased temperatures, reduced snowfall, and shortened winters are all cited as factors. Climate change has ushered in an earlier onset of summer, producing drier conditions that are ripe for wildfires.
Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said in a statement she was grateful that at that moment, the Mount Underwood fire had stabilized. She stated, “We are deeply relieved that the fire has not grown and, with that stability, are rescinding the evacuation alert.” We understand this sentiment, as we all share the broader hope of seeing this wildfire activity start to stabilize, as it should with the approach of fall.
The trend of worsening wildfire activity is especially strong along the perimeter of Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, shocking locals and governments at all levels. While this has been an incredibly difficult situation, said Mayor Minions, recognizing the difficulties that every community has endured during this crisis.
A Broader Look at Wildfire Trends
2025 will be a critical juncture in the history of Canada’s long fight against fire-related catastrophes. Even if this year beats all records in 2023, that would still represent a decline. It does shine a spotlight on a troubling trend that’s been burgeoning for years. Climate change is the engine behind many of these enormous environmental challenges we face. Our leaders need to address root causes driving this crisis.
As residents of Port Alberni breathe a sigh of relief after the recent downgrade in threat levels, many remain vigilant about future wildfires. The lessons learned from this season should help to prepare and respond much more effectively in the future.