Ontario has deployed more than 150 fire crews [1] and approximately 80 water-bombing aircraft [2] to combat a series of fast-spreading wildfires.

The scale of the mobilization reflects a critical emergency, as roughly half of the active fires are currently reported as out of control. This response aims to prevent further destruction of land and infrastructure across the province.

Premier Doug Ford announced the deployment as part of a coordinated effort by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The province is currently managing approximately 190 wildfires [3].

"We have more than 150 fire crews on the ground and about 80 water‑bombing aircraft in the air fighting these blazes," Ford said.

While the province is utilizing a large fleet of water bombers for the current crisis, Ford said the government is also investing in long-term capacity. Ontario is purchasing 11 new aircraft [4] to bolster its future response capabilities.

This new acquisition includes five helicopters and six water bombers [4]. The total cost for these additional aircraft is C$650 million [4].

"Ontario is buying 11 new aircraft to bolster our capacity, but we are already deploying a large fleet of water bombers to tackle the current fires," Ford said.

A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry said that half of the roughly 190 wildfires are out of control, underscoring the need for an unprecedented deployment of resources [5].

Reports on the number of aircraft currently in operation vary slightly between sources, with some reporting about 80 aircraft [2] and others citing 70 [6].

“"We have more than 150 fire crews on the ground and about 80 water‑bombing aircraft in the air fighting these blazes."”

The deployment of an unprecedented number of resources and the C$650 million investment in new aircraft suggest that Ontario is facing a shift in wildfire intensity. By expanding its permanent fleet, the province is moving toward a more self-reliant aerial firefighting strategy to manage the increasing frequency of out-of-control blazes.