Wildfire

Did you know? The government employs skilled personnel to detect, monitor and respond to an average of 1,600 wildfires per year in British Columbia. When wildfires burn away from houses or infrastructure, they can have ecological benefits. At other times, they can threaten homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure.

Unfortunately, the chance of a damaging wildfire has increased in recent years, due in part to hotter and drier summer conditions caused by climate change. Wildfires can affect topography and soil stability (PDF), contributing to flooding and landslides. Read about how B.C. is preparing for and adapting to climate change.

How to prepare

Download Prepared BC: Get prepared for a wildfire resources. Topics covered in the brochure include:

Before a wildfire

Make your plan
Build your grab-and-go bag(s)
Research insurance cover
Protect your home
Prepare your farm or agricultural business
Know your evacuation stages

During a wildfire

Follow instructions
Dealing with wildfire smoke
Coping with wildfire stress

After a wildfire

Returning home
- Getting there
- Re-entering
- Food and water safety
- Psychological care
- Starting the insurance claim process

Get notified of an emergency in your area

Sign up for RDN's Voyent Alert! notifications. Registration for the service is free, simple and anonymous. You can choose how you would like to receive alerts, either through a mobile app, email, text message or phone call.

National alerts

Learn about Emergency Alerts and the National Public Alerting System | CRTC