Ontario Marks End of Wildland Fire Season

Ontario Marks End of Wildland Fire Season

National and international partners helped fire rangers battle almost 1,200 forest fires province-wide

November 01, 2021

Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry


Table of Contents

  1. Content
  2. Quick Facts
  3. Related Topics

Today officially marks the end of Ontario’s 2021 wildland fire season.

“Ontario’s fire rangers and support staff demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication as they overcame the hazards of an unusually hot and dry fire season,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “They have made Ontario proud as they adapted to unprecedented challenges to protect our natural resources, at-risk communities, and businesses.”

Severe drought and dry weather conditions that began in July led to a record 1,198 fires, including a 200,000-hectare fire – one of the largest in Ontario’s history. In response to the situation, the province issued an emergency order for Northwestern Ontario, and called upon fire crews from the United States, Mexico, and Australia for assistance.

“We are deeply thankful to all members of our fire staff and the staff of our national and international partners,” said Minister Rickford. “Our thanks and appreciation also go out to local businesses that worked with the province to protect their communities during these trying times. Our hearts go out to Indigenous communities affected by this historic season. They faced hardship, enduring the pain of being separated from their homes, families and communities.”

Ontario is an internationally recognized leader in wildland fire management and coordinates the protection of 90 million hectares of Crown land in Ontario. This year the province was supported by approximately 2,500 personnel, including FireRangers, fire management support staff, out-of-province personnel, as well as dozens of pilots and engineers.


Quick Facts

  • Between April 1, 2021 and October 31, 2021 there were 1,198 fires, which is well above the ten-year average of 839 fires for this period. Approximately 793,325 hectares of forests were burned.
  • During the 2021 fire season, Ontario experienced arid and hot weather and faced drought conditions not seen in close to 50 years in Northwestern Ontario.
  • Ontario received the assistance of nearly 500 fire personnel and 25 aircraft. This support included assistance from Canada, the United States, and 20 specialized fire personnel from Australia and over 100 firefighters from Mexico.
  • Earlier this summer, Ontario deployed more than 80 fire personnel to Manitoba and one to the Northwest Territories to assist with their firefighting efforts.
  • For more information on wildfires, please visit www.ontario.ca/forestfires.

Related Topics

Law and Safety

Ontario’s laws and related information about our legal system, emergency services, the Ontario Provincial Police and victim services. Learn more

Rural and North

Information about the province’s Far North and rural communities. Get connected to business improvement organizations and learn more about funding and programs that support rural, northern and Indigenous communities. Learn more