Forest Fire Ignitions by Cause 1959 - 1999

Forest fires are an important part of the Canadian landscape. The number of fires and area burned can vary dramatically from year to year, but there are more than 8000 reported wildfires in Canada during a typical year, burning an average of 2.5 million hectares or 25 000 square kilometres. Only 3 percent of fires in Canada reach a final size greater than 200 hectares, but these fires are responsible for 97 percent of the total area burned. This map shows the forest fire ignition causes for fires greater than 200 hectares. The data represent a compilation of all fire point location and perimeters for fires greater than 200 hectares, as provided by fire management agencies of provinces, territories and Parks Canada.