Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pressing the federal government to commit more national resources to combat wildfires, warning that nearly every province is facing significant challenges this season. Ford said the issue was raised with Prime Minister Mark Carney during last month’s premiers’ meeting in Huntsville, noting that the usual practice of sharing firefighting crews and equipment between provinces is strained by simultaneous crises nationwide.
Ford said Ontario has already sent two water bombers and four crews to Newfoundland, as well as two helicopters to New Brunswick, where 13 active fires are burning. An incident management team has also been deployed to Saskatchewan. However, when New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt requested more assistance, Ontario was unable to spare additional water bombers due to its own wildfire activity.
The province has ordered more water bombers, but delivery could take three to four years because of high global demand. So far in 2025, Ontario has recorded 467 wildfires — significantly higher than last year’s 275 by this time, though below the 10-year average of 583. In Kawartha Lakes, one fire is being held while another remains out of control, amid extremely dry conditions and widespread fire bans.
Ford said the growing frequency and severity of wildfires underscores the need for a coordinated, nationwide response, adding, “We send help where we can, but right now, everywhere seems to have issues.”