Newfoundland and Labrador Wildfires Burn 44,600 Hectares in 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador has recorded 104 wildfires so far in 2026, burning an estimated 44,600 hectares, Cbc reported. As of Thursday evening, the provincial wildfire map showed 25 active fires, all located in Labrador, with 17 listed as out of control. Canada as a whole has recorded 3,127 wildfires this year, with 796 active and 60 out of control as of Thursday afternoon.

The national total area burned at this point last year was larger despite fewer fires overall, while Newfoundland and Labrador has seen far more area burned than the roughly 2,700 hectares recorded by the same date in 2025. Drought conditions have contributed to the elevated risk.

Federal mapping showed the Burin Peninsula and eastern Newfoundland in abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions by the end of June, while almost all of Labrador reached severe and extreme drought levels.

Federal Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski stated on Thursday that Labrador is expected to see increased wildfire activity over the next couple of months. Both Labrador and the island of Newfoundland are forecast to face well above normal wildfire risk in July, with similar conditions expected in August except on the south coast and Burin Peninsula.

A provincial fire ban is in place until at least July 17.

The ban cancels all permits for burning grass, brush or other materials, prohibits fireworks, sky lanterns, campfires and wood-fuelled backyard fires, and allows gas or propane barbecues only if operated safely with an extinguisher nearby. Torbay Volunteer Fire Department chief Rodney Gaudet said resources for fighting wildfires are limited in individual municipalities.

"We have, obviously, fire trucks here that are built to fight fires but forestry wildfires are a different beast altogether," he told Cbc News.