Right now, if you pull up a fires in canada today map, you might expect to see a blank screen. It's January 17, 2026. Most of the country is buried under a thick layer of snow. In places like the Yukon, temperatures have recently plummeted to -50°C. You’d think fire would be the last thing on anyone's mind.
But that is exactly what most people get wrong.
The map isn't actually empty. While the "official" fire season typically runs from May to September, the reality on the ground has changed. If you look at the live data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) or the NASA FIRMS dashboard today, you will still see active points. They aren't the towering walls of flame we saw during the record-breaking 2023 or 2025 seasons. They are something much more eerie.
The Rise of the Zombie Fires
Scientists call them "overwintering fires," but the internet has dubbed them zombie fires. Basically, these are blazes that refused to die when the first snow fell.
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In northern Manitoba and parts of British Columbia, dozens of fires are currently smoldering deep underground. They eat through layers of peat and organic soil, insulated from the freezing air by the very snow that’s supposed to extinguish them. Honestly, it’s a bit creepy. You can walk across a snowy forest floor and have no idea that a few feet beneath your boots, the ground is literally cooking.
As of today, Manitoba alone has over 60 active fires classified as "under control" or "being monitored." They aren't threatening homes right now, but they are a ticking time bomb for the spring of 2026.
Why the Map Looks Different Today
When you check a fires in canada today map in the winter, you're not looking for smoke plumes. You’re looking for "thermal anomalies."
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- Satellite Detection: Satellites like MODIS and VIIRS pick up heat signatures. Even through the snow, if a fire is burning hot enough near the surface, it shows up as a red dot.
- Status Indicators: Most points on the map right now will be marked as "Being Held" or "Under Control." This doesn't mean the fire is out; it means it isn't spreading.
- The Drought Factor: Parts of the Maritimes and eastern Quebec are still showing up in moderate to extreme drought categories. Without significant "deep" moisture, those underground fires have plenty of fuel to keep chewing through.
Where to Find the Most Accurate Live Maps
Don't just Google "fire map" and click the first thing you see. A lot of those sites use old data or don't update during the off-season. If you want the real-time truth, you've got to go to the sources the experts use.
- CWFIS (Canadian Wildland Fire Information System): This is the gold standard. It’s run by Natural Resources Canada and integrates weather data with satellite hotspots.
- FireSmoke.ca: If you're smelling smoke in the middle of winter (which happens in the Peace River region or northern BC), this map will show you where the ground-level particulate matter is drifting.
- NASA FIRMS US/Canada: This is for the data nerds. It gives you raw satellite hits. If a new heat source pops up in the middle of the wilderness at 3:00 AM, FIRMS will usually show it first.
What This Means for the 2026 Season
The reason everyone is so obsessed with the map today is that winter activity predicts spring chaos. In 2024 and 2025, we saw "zombie fires" pop back up to the surface the second the snow melted. It’s called a holdover.
When the ground dries out in April, these fires don't need a lightning strike or a discarded cigarette to start. They’re already there. They just breathe in the fresh air and start moving again.
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Current outlooks for early 2026 show a weakening La Niña. This usually means colder temperatures for the West, but if the snowfall doesn't penetrate deep into the soil, it won't be enough to "drown" the underground embers.
Actionable Steps for Staying Informed
If you live in a high-risk zone—especially in the wildland-urban interface of BC, Alberta, or Manitoba—here is how you should use these maps right now:
- Monitor the Drought Monitor: Watch the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada drought maps. If your area is "abnormally dry" in January, those winter fires are more likely to survive.
- Check the "Reported Date": On the CIFFC map, look at when the fire started. If you see a fire with a start date from July 2025 that is still "Active," that’s a confirmed overwintering fire.
- Prepare for Early Starts: Alberta has already moved its official start date for fire season earlier in recent years. Don't wait until May to clear the brush around your property.
Understanding the fires in canada today map isn't just about spotting current disasters; it's about reading the tea leaves for the months ahead. The "quiet" season isn't as quiet as it used to be. Keep an eye on those thermal hotspots in the North—they tell the story of what we’ll be facing come May.
To stay ahead of the curve, set up a bookmark for the CWFIS Interactive Map and check the "Fire M3 Hotspots" layer once a week. This gives you a clear view of where the ground is still holding heat, allowing you to gauge the risk level for your specific region before the spring thaw even begins. Reach out to your local fire smart representative if you notice persistent smoke in your area, even if there's snow on the ground.