Wildfires
Wildfires have become an ongoing presence during the spring/summer season in British Columbia.
This resource list is created to help 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. To speak with a 211 Resource Navigator, dial 2-1-1 or text 2-1-1.
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.
Last Updated: June 13, 2024 at 3:30 pm PT
BC Wildfire Service
- Website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
- Twitter/X: 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
BC Wildfire Service App
The free BC Wildfire Service App 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. Free to download on Android and Apple (iOS) devices from Google Play or the App Store.
Wildfires Map
The Wildfires Map has information on specific fire locations, states of control, and danger rating. Details on each fire include map, size, evacuation status, etc. Also lists contact info for the information officer assigned to each incident who can provide further updates on response and resources deployed. This website will have the most current information, as the fire situation changes over time.
Voyent Alert!
Voyent Alert! is being used by a number of regional districts to share local emergency notifications. Free to download on Android and Apple (iOS) devices from Google Play or the App Store.
Alertable
Alertable is being used by some regional districts to share local emergency notifications. 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 relevant Regional District or First Nation. See twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC for updates.
When required, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be activated by the Regional District or First Nation to support the emergency or disaster. An EOC is responsible for declaring states of local emergency (SOLEs) and issuing evacuation orders/alerts.
See EmergencyMapBC for current Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS)
FNESS Emergency Operations Centre lists First Nations impacted by emergency events online at www.fness-eoc.ca.
- Phone: 250-377-7600 from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday
- after hours assistance phone line: 1-888-822-3388
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
ESS provides short-term basic support with accommodation, food, and medical/prescription services to people impacted by disasters. The program is financed by provincial government and administered by Indigenous communities and local governments. Register with ESS in person at a reception centre or online through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) system: ess.gov.bc.ca.
Accommodation allowance of $200 per night for registered evacuees available through e-transfer or at reception centres. Alternatively, evacuees can still receive a direct referral to a hotel or other accommodation.
- ESS provincial phone line: 1-800-585-9559
- Hours 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Afterhours callers are able to leave a voicemail; calls returned within 24 hours during the week.
Returning Evacuees
- Provincial Disaster Psychosocial team can be reached by phone at 1-888-686-3022
- Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has published a Resident Re-Entry and Resiliency Guide.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
- If your animals or livestock have been relocated, call 250-775-0453 to coordinate their safe return
- After hours call support for impacted agricultural producers is available at 236-475-3180
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 Métis Federation
BC Métis Federation offers financial assistance to full members for expenses related to wildfire evacuation. Applications accepted through the website.
Animals and Pets
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 info about animals left behind in evacuated areas, call 1-855-622-7722.
Animal Emergency Alerts notify subscribers about when emergency fosters are needed, emergency supply drop-off/pick-up areas, and free emergency boarding for evacuees in the area.
Medical Needs
Filling Prescriptions: Displaced residents who are running low or need help filling prescriptions can go to any community pharmacy in any town across British Columbia. Bring as much information as possible, such as a piece of identification, or an old bottle of medication or an inhaler.
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) – Health Benefits Support Line for Evacuees
The FNHA Health Benefits team can support clients to access health services, medications, supplies and equipment if they are evacuated or separated from their usual providers.
- Phone (toll-free): 1-855-550-5454
- Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday and 12 noon to 4 pm on Saturday, Sunday and Statutory holidays until August 2
Telus Health offers virtual access to licensed medical professionals for BC residents.
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
BC Hydro provides power outage updates and info on emergency preparation. When returning home after evacuation, call 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) if experiencing 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.
Telus provides service outages information and updates on their website.
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 for 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. 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
Environment Canada Weather Alerts: weather.gc.ca
PreparedBC has tips on preparing for disaster and offers a Wildfire Preparedness Guide. Information is also available via 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, and 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.
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 access to counselling, traditional supports, and culturally safe spaces.
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.
Canadian Red Cross offers a step-by-step Fire Recovery Guide for returning to a home with potential fire damage.
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.
BC Guidance for Owners of Property Impacted by Wildfire Contaminants provides information and tools for remediation of contaminated sites.
North Shuswap Disaster Relief Society connects residents affected by wildfires with funds and services. Any assistance provided pays suppliers to help; no cash grants direct to applicants. Needs and assessment form available on the website.
BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) offers free resources to assist business communities prepare for and recover from economic disasters. Includes loss of business/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
United Way BC: United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund
Canadian Red Cross: BC Fires Appeal
Salvation Army: Wildfire Emergency Relief
United Way BC iVolunteer: Volunteer Opportunities linked to wildfire response in British Columbia.
Look for additional supports online
Browse the 211 online directory for more resources that may be relevant to you.