By Brigitte Rodriguez, Publishing Associate: Researcher and Writer at Save the Water™ | April 13, 2026

Edited by Apurva Makashir, Publishing Vice President at Save the Water™

Canada had numerous wildfires in 2026. This likely occurs in the summer.  This puts the residents, thousands of acres of land, and the health of the community at risk. More importantly, these fire conditions impact the water quality and threaten Canadians' health.

What is a Wildfire?

Wildfires cannot be extinguished like a normal fire. Also, it destroys everything in its path. Like, wildland vegetation, often in rural areas. Moreover, it destroys ecosystems when the fire advances and it is uncontrolled.

A wildfire can start for these reasons:

Lightning: Most fires are caused by lightning.

Season: Dry and hot weather, with windy conditions, is the perfect scenario for starting a fire.

Wildfire Impacts On Water

When wildfires occur, they usually happen in rural areas and destroy trees and vegetation. However, the true impact on water resources becomes evident months after the fires have subsided.

One study revealed the presence of contaminants in surface drinking water after a wildfire explosion. It contained elevated levels of suspended solids, turbidity, nutrients, organic carbon, trace metals, and other pollutants.

As a result, an imbalance occurs in the aquatic ecosystems. This makes treating water more complicated for safe drinking. While there is a standard process for normal conditions, when levels exceed, changes must be made to the water treatment process.

For example, in 2016, high levels of nitrogen, sediment, and phosphorus were detected in Fort McMurray. As a result, the municipality had to invest half a million dollars to mitigate the pollutants in lakes, rivers, and aquifers.

Impacts on your health

Smoke from wildfires is lethal to human health. In fact, particulate matter (PM2.5) affects the respiratory system. Therefore, exposure to tiny toxic particles may result in cardiorespiratory health problems. But in cases where someone has been severely exposed, the consequences can be fatal. This has caused the death of 82,00 people in 2023

Monitoring Wildfires

The wildfires are not only causing poor air quality in Canada but have also affected much of Europe, as the smoke traveled through the Atlantic Ocean.

However, there are ways to prevent wildfires, such as constant, long-term monitoring. The following factors must also be taken into account: 

Fire intensity

Wind conditions

Location: the area it covers and the extension to determine the risky zones and their impact

Weather conditions

Furthermore, disaster prevention systems can be utilized, or real-time data can be viewed on systems such as the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service or NOAA satellites. These tools will help in decision-making to ensure the necessary resources are available to assess the situation.

How can you prepare for Wildfires?

Here is how you can prepare for these events:

Have an emergency kit

Research alternative escape routes

Stay informed about the fire’s path

Be familiar with the local emergency plan for the area of living, like evacuation routes, emergency numbers, and safe zones established by authorities.

Staying informed about the path and extent of wildfires in real time will help to keep yourself safe and protect your home and loved ones.