Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About the Canadian Fires - AND How YOU Can Help

I lived for several years in Northern California - at the top of the valley, just two hours from Oregon. We had mountains - seriously large mountains - on three sides . . . it was SO beautiful! But, then fires became a problem in the summer and so much land burned - I know how heartbreaking this is and I have personally been able to see the damage caused by wildfires. A few years ago my husband's sister and her husband survived the Carr Fire which was an enormous fire in the Redding, CA, area - the fire actually jumped the Sacramento River. So, as I hear the news about the fires burning in Canada, my heart breaks for the people who are losing their homes and for all the damage the fire is causing. Here in Michigan it is VERY smoky outside today, and will likely be so for a few days. Today I want to update you on what is happening with the fires in Canada . . .

• There are currently 838 active wildfires burning across Canada.
• Lightening sparked some of the fires, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and are burning nearly 44.5 million acres (18 million hectares), these fires were exacerbated by climate change.
• Indigenous communities have been especially hard hit by the fires. Members of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation were forced to flee by boat as fires engulfed their community. Residents reported having only minutes to gather their belongings before homes were overtaken by the flames... Several First Nations are facing mandatory evacuation orders issued by their Leadership with support from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). As the situation rapidly unfolds, many other Nations are currently undergoing processes to declare states of emergencies and evacuate their communities as well. 
• Indigenous communities in Canada account for over 42% of all wildfire evacuations events despite representing only 5% of the total population.
• Entire Indigenous communities, such as Collins in northern Ontario, have faced dramatic, mandatory evacuations with mere minutes to flee from encroaching flames. Many of these remote communities lack adequate roads or infrastructure, complicating emergency response and leading to long-term displacement. (I did read First Nations People have to evacuate in part because they do not have as much preventative measures as other areas. If this is the case, I do hope Canada makes changes. Now, I do understand many First Nations People live in more remote areas which are more prone to massive wildfires, but I do hope Canada makes it a priority to do everything possible to protect First Nations People and their land.)
• Of the more than 400 active wildfires, 249 were out of control, Canada's natural resources department said this week.
• According to Canadian Forestry - Fire has a crucial role in shaping forests across Canada. It is a vital ecological process which supports forest health and diversity. However, wildland fires can harm our health, well-being, communities, plus cultural and economic resources.
• The last three fire seasons have been among the 10 worst on record. Canada experienced its most destructive wildfire season ever in 2023, with fires consuming 16.5 million hectares—more than double the previous record and nearly seven times more than the historical average (Natural Resources Canada 2024).
• In British Columbia, Canada has deployed an AI drone network designed to protect forests from wildfires. These drones monitor temperature, wind, and moisture levels in real-time, detecting ignition points within seconds.
• Wildfires affect all forms of wildlife, but the impact varies depending on an animal's mobility, habitat, and the fire's severity. While many birds, large mammals, and pets can flee or seek refuge, slower or burrowing species—such as frogs, small rodents, and some reptiles—are highly vulnerable to flames, smoke, and habitat loss.
• Wildfires in Ontario, Canada, severely impacted a Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) freight train near Armstrong when fast-moving blazes and thick smoke surrounded the tracks, trapping the crew. The crew became stranded and surrounded by a wall of intense flames while waiting at a red signal to pass another train.  Despite the hazardous conditions, the crew safely abandoned their locomotive and escaped unharmed, later being rescued and evacuated from the area. In response to the over 100 active wildfires in the region, CN Rail temporarily suspended its operations in the fire corridor as a safety precaution.
• The haze is being carried into the United States by upper-level winds from Canada's ongoing wildfire season, where severe drought and unusually hot conditions have fueled more than 100 active wildfires. Forecasters warn additional rounds of smoke could affect parts of the U.S. in the coming weeks as long as the fires continue burning. (Sadly, some republican congresspeople are trying to make themselves sound "tough" by criticizing Canada for smoke from their fires coming into the US (there is no shortage of it here in Michigan today.) But it is because of global warming and if republicans really cared about fires and stopping them, they wouldn't turn our National Parks into places to drill and mine and would be in favor of non oil power. Their words fall flat. This is not the time to try to act "tough" with Canada, they should be working to stop big oil and do everything possible to make our climate healthy - but they are republicans, so they won't do this.)

My heart breaks for all the people of Canada as they deal with yet another year of massive fires and the damage which lasts for years after the fires are finally extinguished. You will find current information about the fires at this link.

AND, most importantly, there is something YOU can do to help. Please choose at least one of the following ways to help . . .

Core Emergency Relief Funds

Canadian Red Cross: You can contribute directly to the Canadian Wildfire Fund online or call 1-800-418-1111. This fund powers immediate relief, shelter, and medical transportation for evacuees. 
GlobalGiving: Their Canada Wildfire Relief Fund supplies food, clean water, and emergency medical supplies to displaced families and first responders. 
CanadaHelps: Their centralized Crisis Relief Center aggregates donations and safely distributes them to multiple trusted Canadian charities. 
Community-Specific Relief: You can use CanadaHelps to donate to First Nations communities directly—or to tribal councils, band councils, and local non-profits—that are raising funds to rebuild, provide temporary shelter, or buy emergency supplies for members displaced by wildfires. 
Learn More: Use the CanadaHelps Homepage

Specialized & Equipment Donations

GlobalMedic: Financial support here directly procures critical fire-fighting skids and tactical gear for rural and volunteer fire departments. 
United Way British Columbia: The United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses on localized, long-term community rebuilding and mental health resources. 
Humane Societies: The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society accepts targeted funding to provide pet food, medicine, and safe emergency shelter for animals displaced by evacuations

Please help by giving to one or more of these organizations to help the people in Canada.