Record Wildfire Activity Devastates U.S. and Canada
The 2026 wildfire season has been one of the most intense on record, with over 56,000 wildfires burning more than 8.5 million acres across the United States as of mid-September, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). This marks the highest number of fires in over a decade, far exceeding the 10-year average. Canada has also experienced unprecedented wildfire activity, with 11 million acres burned by mid-September, surpassing its 10-year average. The fires have impacted traditionally high-risk areas like California and the Southwest, as well as non-traditional regions such as the Southern Plains and Southeast. Globally, Europe has faced severe wildfires, with France, Spain, and Greece experiencing record-breaking fire activity. The season has been exacerbated by El Niño, which has brought higher temperatures and drier conditions, creating optimal conditions for wildfires.
