During a spring fire in the Manitoba pothole region a canvasback nest was destroyed by fire that swept over emergent vegetation. Ducklings and molting adults are vulnerable to fire. Nonmolting adults can probably easily escape fire.
Fire can also improve the habitat for canvasbacks.
Controlled burning can also be used to create nesting edge for ducks. Summer fires are used to create more permanent changes in the plant community. Land managers who burn during the nesting season should consider partial burns.