The Humanitarian Side of Canada’s Wildfire Crisis
- Tuana Ulaman
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
When we think about wildfires, we often only consider the present damage to nature. But behind every wildfire is a humanitarian crisis aftermath affecting families, communities, health, homes, and livelihoods.
As of early August, Ontario had approximately 175 active wildfires, with around 130 in northwestern Ontario and 45 in northeastern Ontario 2.
Photo by CBC, Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press
A Crisis Affecting Communities Across Ontario
In mid-July, more than 100 active wildfires were burning across Ontario, with many concentrated in the northwest. Multiple First Nations communities were forced to evacuate, while others remained under states of emergency or evacuation alerts 1.
By early August, approximately 1,876 people remained evacuated from 14 First Nations communities, while six communities had safely returned home 2.
For many indigenous communities, wildfire evacuations can be especially difficult. Remote locations, limited road access, reliance on air transportation, and reduced access to healthcare, emergency services, housing, and supplies can make evacuation more complicated 1.
When the Air Becomes Unsafe
The humanitarian impact of wildfires extends far beyond the areas where the flames are burning.
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5, which can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Exposure can cause coughing, sore throats, headaches, burning eyes, shortness of breath, and worsening asthma, while children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions can face greater risks 4.
In July, wildfire smoke traveled hundreds of kilometers and contributed to extremely poor air quality in Toronto, showing how a wildfire affecting northern communities can also impact people hundreds of kilometers away 1.
The Human Cost Goes Beyond Evacuation
When communities are forced to leave, families may lose access to homes, schools, medical clinics, community buildings, traditional hunting and gathering areas, and cultural and sacred sites.
Evacuations can last weeks or even months, disrupting education, employment, healthcare, and connections to traditional lands 1.
The environmental damage also has long-term consequences. Wildfires can destroy wildlife habitats, damage watersheds and ecosystems, and release significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere 3.
Communities Need More Than Firefighters
Wildfire response is not only about putting out fires. It is about supporting people while they are displaced and helping communities recover.
Ontario has provided thousands of N95 masks, hygiene kits, air purifiers, replacement filters, and emergency food donations to communities affected. More than 100 emergency coordination meetings have also taken place between indigenous leaders, municipalities, and provincial and federal officials 2.
But communities can also support one another.
Donation drives can collect non-perishable food, bottled water, baby formula and diapers, hygiene products, new socks and underwear, blankets, pillows, first-aid supplies, N95 masks, pet food, and gift cards for groceries, gas, or pharmacies.
Humanitarian Action Starts With Showing Up
Canada's wildfire crisis reminds us that humanitarian emergencies do not always happen somewhere far away. They can happen in our own country affecting our neighbours and communities.
At HayaHelps, we believe humanitarian work means showing up when communities need support; whether that means providing essential; supplies, raising awareness, and supporting emergency relief, or bringing people together to help.
Wildfires may start with a spark, but communities can respond with action.
How You Can Help
Donate on our website. Every contribution can help communities facing the human impact of Canada's wildfire crisis
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