USDA Sends Firefighters North as Canadian Wildfires Escalate

There May be a Trade War, but US Assists 'Neighbor' Canada with Firefighting Efforts

Approximately 1.7 million acres have already burned in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. This has prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to step in to support Canada as wildfires intensify across several provinces. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the USDA Forest Service is deploying personnel and equipment to assist with wildfire response efforts in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Alberta.

In Manitoba, the most severe fire activity is concentrated along the province’s northwest border with Saskatchewan. Many of these blazes are classified as out of control, posing significant challenges for firefighting crews and emergency responders.

Canada raised its national wildfire preparedness level to the highest rating—Level 5—on May 29, 2025, due to extreme fire activity. In response, the USDA deployed an airtanker to Alberta on May 31 and is mobilizing more than 150 firefighters and support staff to help contain the blazes. Additional resources, including sprinkler kits, pumps, and hoses, are also being sent north.

“We are here to help our neighbors during their time of need, and our Forest Service Wildland Firefighters are the best in the business,” said Secretary Rollins. “I am thankful for the men and women who are bravely stepping up to serve. We pray for their success as they fight fires and save lives.”

USDA officials confirmed that wildfire activity in the U.S. remains at normal levels. The agency emphasized that it will maintain full operational readiness at home and retains the ability to recall resources if needed.

Many US states as well as Ontario will likely begin to be impacted by the smoke from the fires. Studies have show that smoke from wildfires can have an impact on crop growth on both sides of the border.

Photo Credit: Pexels - Moein Moradi