This resource list helps British Columbians affected by wildfires navigate relevant information by breaking it down into categories, providing easy access to key phone numbers, as well as links to sources of detailed and up-to-date information.
Note: this list is updated daily Monday to Friday during wildfire season. For the most up-to-date information, visit your Local Authority, First Nation or Regional District website.
BC Wildfire Service
- Website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
- Twitter: twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- Report wildfires/smoke/flames/unattended campfires: 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone
- Fire Information Line: 1-888-336-7378
The BC Wildfire Service App is free to download and provides real-time wildfire information and an interactive map. It also shows fire danger ratings, active fires, evacuation orders and alerts, and has a fire reporting tool. It can be downloaded on Android and Apple (iOS) devices from Google Play or the App Store.
The Widfires Map has information on specific fire locations, states of control, and danger rating. Details on each fire include location, map, size, evacuation order status, and more. Also lists contact info for the information officer assigned to each incident who can provide further information on response and resources deployed to the incident. This website will have the most current information, as the fire situation changes over time.
The app Voyent Alert! is being used by a number of regional districts to share local emergency notifications. It is free to download on Android and Apple (iOS) devices from Google Play or the App Store.
Alertable is being used by some regional districts to share local emergency notifications. It is free to download on Android and Apple (iOS) devices from Google Play or the App Store.
Emergency Info BC provides information for residents and evacuees affected by wildfires, including updates about evacuation alerts and orders, and official response and recovery resources. Provides links to details as specified by the Emergency Operations Centre of the relevant Regional District or First Nations government. See www.twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC for updates.
When required, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be activated by the Regional District or First Nations band to support the emergency or disaster. An EOC is responsible for declaring states of local emergency (SOLEs) as well as issuing evacuation orders and alerts.
See EmergencyMapBC for current Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
Updates
Bulkley-Nechako, Regional District of
- Emergency Information: 250-692-1553
- Website: www.rdbn.bc.ca/departments/protective-services/emergency-operations-centre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BulkleyNechakoEmergencyInfo
Cariboo Regional District
- Emergency Information Line: 1-866-759-4977
- Emergency Support Services (ESS): 250-267-1154
- Disaster Recovery Assistance: 250-392-3351 or Toll-free: 1-866-759-4977
- Website: www.cariboord.ca/en/emergency-and-protective-services/evacuation-orders-alerts-current.aspx
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations
Central Okanagan, Regional District of
- Emergency Operations Centre Information Line: 250-469-8490 or Toll-free: 1-877-569-8490
- The District Resiliency Centre has closed as of November 17, 2023. For long-term post-recovery efforts, see: www.rdco.com/en/living-here/mcdougall-creek-wildfire-recovery-and-resiliency-centre.aspx
- Website: www.cordemergency.ca
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency
- Twitter: twitter.com/CO_Emerg
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
- Toll-free Emergency Line: 1-877-996-3344
- Emergency Operations Centre (for info on structure loss): 250-833-3350
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Emergency Support Services: 250-833-3360
- Christian Aid Ministries is providing yard cleanup in the North Shuswap for non-insured people affected by wildfire. Anyone needing help can contact John Dyck at 250-517-0075
- Email: sepeoc.info@csrd.bc.ca
- Website: www.shuswapemergency.ca
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Columbia.Shuswap.Regional.District
- Twitter: twitter.com/ColShuRegDist
- For resources and information regarding next steps in the recovery process, see recovershuswap.ca or call Recover Shuswap: 250-833-3400
- The District Resiliency Centre has closed as of November 16, 2023. Case workers continue to be available by appointment only for in-person or phone meetings. Call Recover Shuswap or email CaseWorker@recovershuswap.ca and leave your name, contact info, and a short message. A case worker will return your call within 48 hours.
Fraser Valley Regional District
- Emergency Management Department: 604-702-5072
- Email: eoc.recovery@fvrd.ca
- Website: www.fvrd.ca/EOC
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FraserValleyRD
- Twitter: twitter.com/FraserValleyRD
Okanagan-Similkameen, Regional District of
- Emergency Operations Centre (for evacuation/transportation assistance): 250-490-4225
- Emergency Support Services: 250-486-1890 or 1-844-537-7377
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To coordinate safe return of animals: Pet owners and hobby farmers can call Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team: 250-809-7152. Commercial farmers can call: 250-490-4225.
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Email: eocinfo@rdos.bc.ca
- Website: emergency.rdos.bc.ca
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RegionalDistrictOfOkanaganSimilkameen
- Twitter: twitter.com/EmergMgtRDOS
qathet Regional District updates
- Emergency Services Department: 604-485-2260
- Email: emergency@qathet.ca
- Website: www.qathet.ca/services/emergency-services/emergency-preparedness
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/qathetRD
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
- Emergency Operations Centre Info Line: 1-888-213-0780
- Emergency Support Services: 250-256-8524
- If you have wildfire affected debris, call to discuss disposal: 604-894-6371 Local 292
- Email (Recovery Manager): mphillips@slrd.bc.ca
- Gun Lake area residents whose properties were affected by wildfire have access to funds to assist with the process of conducting hazardous material surveys, which is a requirement for safe disposal of materials and the building process: www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/notices/other-notices/hazardous-material-survey-reimbursement-program-gun-lake-property-owners-affected-wildfire
- Website: www.slrd.bc.ca/emergency-program/emergency-notices
- For wildfire recovery resources: getinvolved.slrd.bc.ca/recovery
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSLRD
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/slrd_bc
Sunshine Coast Regional District
- Website: www.scrd.ca/news
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunshinecoastrd
- Twitter: twitter.com/SunshineCoastRD
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
- Emergency Operations Centre: 250-377-7188 or Toll-free: 1-866-3777188
- Emergency Support Services: 236-597-8997
- Email: emergency@tnrd.ca
- A Recovery Manager is in place to support residents who suffered losses. Call the Emergency Operations Centre or email tnrdrecovery@tnrd.ca for support.
- Website: www.tnrd.ca/services/emergency-services
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tnrd.ca
- Twitter: twitter.com/TNRD
Adams Lake Indian Band
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Emergency Operations Centre: 250-253-1215
- Emergency Support Services: 250-679-2239 or Cell: 250-318-6720
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Email: eoc@alib.ca
- Website: adamslakeband.org/#news
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AdamsLakeIndianBand
Emergency Social Services (ESS) Reception Centres are set up and managed by local communities where needed. Reception centres provide immediate assistance with accommodation, food, and medical or prescription support during an evacuation order. Check your evacuation order to see which reception centre to attend. Evacuees can also register with ESS by phone at 1-800-585-9559 or online through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) system: ess.gov.bc.ca.
If you were forced to cover costs on your own because you were unable to receive ESS due to long wait times, call 1-800-585-9559 and leave your contact information to receive a follow-up call. This service can also be reached via email at EMBC.ESS@gov.bc.ca.
BC SPCA provides information and support for evacuees with pets, emergency pet boarding, and animal care services (lost/stray animal reunification and rehoming of unclaimed pets during emergencies). To request emergency services or provide information about animals left behind in evacuated areas, call 1-855-622-7722 or visit an ESS reception centre. Emergency Mobile Alerts will notify subscribers about when emergency fosters are needed, emergency supply drop off/pick up areas, and free emergency boarding for evacuees in the area; sign up for Animal Emergency Alerts.
People under evacuation order can register with the Canadian Red Cross online or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between 9 am and 5 pm, seven days a week. Registration ensures that individuals can be reached with information on Red Cross services/assistance that may become available throughout the evacuation and recovery process.
Road closures and conditions:
- Website: drivebc.ca
- Phone: 1-800-550-4997
- Twitter: twitter.com/DriveBC
BC Park closures: www.bcparks.ca/active-advisories/?type=wildfire
Recreation site and trail closures: www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/closures.aspx
Each fire centre continually assesses the need to implement fire bans and restrictions to campfires/open burning to help reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety. This is based on local fire hazards, weather conditions, and fire activity. To view fire prohibitions and restrictions within each regional fire centre, see the most current fire information bulletins. Check with local government authorities for any other restrictions before lighting any fire. Category 3 fire lighting must obtain a burn registration number first: call 1-888-797-1717.
BC Wildfire Service monitors regions impacted by wildfire smoke. The significant influx of wildfire smoke creates poor visibility and may impact aviation resources’ ability to safely support active fires. Poor air quality can also endanger human health and the environment.
FireSmoke Canada provides information and resources about smoke from wildfires, including hourly, daily average, and daily maximum forecasts of ground-level concentrations of smoke particles. See their interactive map for current smoke forecasts: firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current
BC Air Quality information including advisories: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality
For Environment Canada Weather Alerts, visit: weather.gc.ca
PreparedBC has tips on preparing for disaster and offers a Wildfire Preparedness Guide. Information is also available via www.twitter.com/PreparedBC.
FireSmart BC offers resources on how to minimize risk from wildfire.
Government of BC has prevention resources, including FireSmart resources; open fire prohibitions and restrictions; fire prevention for industry and operators; information on vegetation and fuels management; funding for wildfire prevention; and wildfire legislation.
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) provides information on wildfire smoke and how to prevent/minimize health risks as well as on maintaining clean air in your home during wildfire season.
Agriservice BC provides information and resources for emergency management of agriculture, including resources for wildfire preparedness and mitigation planning for agricultural producers.
First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) works with First Nations, provincial/federal governments, agencies, and various stakeholders to assist with wildfire prevention and emergency management for First Nations communities. For community wildfire mitigation support call 250-377-7600 or the FNESS Emergency Operations Centre After Hours Assistance Line: 1-888-822-3388 (follow up action to requests provided within a 12-hour period).
Central Okanagan
Central Okanagan Food Bank can assist those impacted by evacuation orders in West Kelowna/Kelowna and are now facing financial uncertainty. During operating hours (8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday), call 250-763-7161 or email info@cofoodbank.com. Requests will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
For evacuees in Vernon, Salmon Arm, or other areas, the Animal Food Bank is providing Fire Evacuee Pet Support, including food and pet supplies. Fill out the online form for support: animalfoodbank.org/evacuees
Mamas for Mamas - Kelowna Branch provides access to bedding, power outlets to charge phones, hygiene products, extra clothing, food, and baby/kids/family supplies. See social media for updated information/hours. Call 250-491-7299 or email kelowna@mamasformamas.org to facilitate hamper pick-ups. Facebook: www.facebook.com/mamasformamas.org. Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamasformamas
Westside Salvation Army (Renew Church Ministries) (3531 Old Okanagan Highway, West Kelowna) is offering individuals impacted by wildfires access to caseworkers for practical assistance, grocery gift cards, and clothing vouchers. Call 778-484-9790 to access services.
Guide to Wildfire Recovery from Canadian Red Cross.
Recover after a wildfire resources from Prepared BC.
Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for communities is available to help Indigenous communities and local governments impacted by wildfires with the cost of infrastructure repairs. DFA for individuals, small businesses, farms, and charitable organizations is NOT currently available.
2023 Wildfire and Drought Recovery Initiative provides BC producers with access to additional help in recovering from the extraordinary expenses incurred as a result of drought and wildfire in 2023. General application deadline is January 31, 2024.
Samaritan’s Purse offers possession recovery through ash sifting, property cleanup, and assessments. For people who don’t have insurance, also offers wraparound supports. Currently deployed to the Shuswap and West Kelowna areas. Homeowners needing help with their home or property can call 1-833-738-7743.
310Mental Health Support provides a province-wide mental health helpline for those in need of emotional support. Available 24/7. Call 310-6789 (no area code required).
Canadian Mental Health Association (BC Division) offers tips on coping with natural disaster stress, and helpful links and resources. CMHA Northern BC and CMHA Cariboo Chilcotin branches are also offering extra counselling services for those affected by environmental disaster stress: https://cmha.bc.ca/documents/coping-with-disaster-stress
First Nations Health Authority supports First Nations, communities and individuals with wildfire response, evacuation and recovery, including coordinating access to counselling, traditional supports and culturally safe spaces. Offers Health Benefits Support Line for Evacuees 1-855-550-5454. Hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services. Call 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a province-wide crisis line for Indigenous people. Available 24/7. Phone: 1-800-588-8717.
Wellness Together Canada offers various levels of free mental health support, including crisis support and counselling. Staffed by mental health professionals. Available 24/7. Call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 for adults; or call 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868 for youth.
Employment and Social Development Canada provides Employment Insurance (EI) to individuals unable to work due to wildfires. Apply online at www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/apply or call 1-877-631-2657
Wildfires may affect mail delivery of Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) cheques. Avoid delays by switching to direct deposit. Make a service request at eservices.canada.ca/en/menu or call 1-800-277-9914
Temporary measures have been implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to help those affected by wildfires to replace citizenship, immigration, or travel documents (including passports) that have been lost, damaged, or destroyed; or to extend or restore temporary resident status. Measures are in place from June 9 to November 30, 2023.
Registered persons with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) who have been evacuated can obtain temporary proof if they do not have their status card with them by contacting the ISC Public Enquiries Contact Centre at 1-800-567-9604 or their nearest regional office.
BC Hydro provides power outage updates and information on emergency preparation. When returning home after evacuation, call 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) if you experience problems with your power.
FortisBC provides information on preparing for imminent wildfires. For any concerns related to electricity service following an evacuation, call 1-866-436-7847.
BC Parks includes information on responsible recreation, camping, campfire bans, pets, vehicles and roadways, canoeing and kayaking, and more.
BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) offers free resources to assist business communities prepare for and recover from economic disasters. This includes loss of business and workforce impacts.
Insurance Bureau of Canada provides information on insurance coverage and the claims process for people affected by BC wildfires. If individuals can’t find the information they’re looking for online, call the Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ASK-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or email AskIBCWest@ibc.ca
Telus provides service outages information and updates on their website.
United Way BC iVolunteer - Okanagan Wildfire Support Volunteer (email call out list) www.ivolunteer.ca/need/detail/?need_id=818234
Government of BC Public Safety Volunteer Programs www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/local-emergency-programs/volunteers
United Way BC - United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund
BCSPCA
Canadian Red Cross - BC Fires Appeal
Mamas for Mamas
Food Banks BC
Salvation Army – Wildfire Emergency Relief
Samaritan’s Purse
