Canada has pledged to fund 30 wildfire research projects across the nation, totaling nearly $46 million. While today its National Preparedness Level remains at its highest level with 625 active fires (112 Out of Control), with national and international deployments underway, and near record areas burnt this season, Canada has committed to ensure its wildfire resilience, prevention, mitigation and recovery programs are backed by solid science and innovation.

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson, announced on Aug. 12 as part of Natural Resources Canada’s Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge program. The new projects build on the previous $12 million investment to establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada, which is focused on deliverables under a global wildfire cooperation agreement signed by G7 nations in July.

“Wildfires are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more dangerous — and more and more communities across Canada are feeling the impacts first-hand,” Hogan said. ‘That’s why our government is stepping up to strengthen how we manage and reduce wildfire risks across the country. Through this investment, we’re closing knowledge gaps, improving risk assessments and supporting Indigenous-led projects that restore cultural fire stewardship — all in service of keeping Canadians safe.”

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The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation broke down where the 30 projects will take place across the nation. The vast majority are being done in British Columbia, while Alberta and Manitoba have only one project each. No projects are scheduled for Saskatchewan.