MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 29, 2026 – Marking the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, First Onsite Property Restoration is sharing new insights into how Canadians are thinking about wildfire risk today. Recent survey data shows growing concern about wildfires and smoke nationwide, underscoring the need for improved preparedness as communities continue to expand into fire-prone areas.
Wildfires and a changing landscape
Wildfires are a natural and essential part of Canada’s boreal forest ecosystem, helping to renew landscapes, recycle nutrients, and maintain ecological balance. For centuries, these fire cycles have played a vital role in shaping healthy forests.
However, as communities expand further into densely forested areas, these natural processes are increasingly intersecting with where people live and work. This growing overlap is elevating risk, making wildfires not only an environmental reality, but also a significant and evolving threat to communities.
Looking back: Fort McMurray
On May 1, 2016, a wildfire ignited near Fort McMurray, Alberta, rapidly escalating due to extreme dryness. It destroyed approximately 2,400 homes, burned nearly 590,000 hectares, and displaced more than 88,000 residents in the largest evacuation in Alberta’s history.
The Fort McMurray fire marked a turning point, bringing the scale and impact of wildfires into the national spotlight and reshaping how Canadians understand the risks associated with living in fire-prone regions.
Rising concerns about wildfires
First Onsite’s annual Weather and Property Survey shows that wildfires remain top of mind nationally, with 63 per cent of Canadians expressing concern about being affected by wildfires and 70 per cent expressing concern about wildfire smoke.
The data also points to heightened awareness in regions of the country that are not typically associated with wildfires. Following recent record-breaking wildfire seasons, the survey data shows a considerable increase in concern about wildfires, especially smoke, in Atlantic Canada and Saskatchewan/Manitoba. For example, in Atlantic Canada, 82 per cent of residents now report concern about wildfires, up 15 percentage points year over year, along with a sharp rise in concern about wildfire smoke following recent regional fire activity. This reflects how wildfire risk has become a national concern.
Despite this elevated concern, preparedness gaps persist. Only 36 per cent of Canadians say they know evacuation routes in the event of a disaster, while just 44 per cent feel confident in local emergency response systems. On a personal level, 64 per cent report concern about their readiness for property-related emergencies.
Building more resilient communities
The scale and recurrence of wildfire events reinforce the need for improved preparedness, coordinated response, and long-term recovery planning. They also underscore the role of restoration not only in rebuilding structures, but in helping communities recover and move forward.
“These findings align with what we’re seeing on the ground,” said Jim Mandeville, SVP, First Onsite. “While risk awareness is improving, gaps in preparedness and coordination among businesses and homeowners continue to affect recovery timelines. Strong coordination between homeowners, businesses, and response partners is essential to minimize disruption and support faster recovery.”
Resources and preparedness
First Onsite was among the early entrants leading recovery efforts into Fort McMurray and, more recently, Jasper National Park, supporting stabilization, remediation, and restoration of critical commercial properties after the wildfires. The company provides guidance on wildfire preparedness and response, including the resource: How to Prepare and React: Helping Communities Prepare and Deal with Wildfires.
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