Wildfire Safety in BC: A Guide for Adventurers and Visitors

Report Wildfires: *5555 (on cell) or 1-800-663-5555 (toll free)

More than a year after the village of Lytton burned to the ground, fences still blocked the view of the burned village from the highway. Through the slats, you could glimpse the remains, street after street of devastation, an entire community razed to the ground. A few RVs were parked here and there, with people still trying to live on their properties, their lives turned to ashes. Even that little view through the slats was incredibly sad, like driving past a graveyard.

Entire communities burning to the ground in wildfires was once the stuff of fiction. The Okanagan Mountain Wildfire in 2003 marked a turning point, destroying over 200 homes and standing as the first major wildfire in living memory for many. Since then, wildfire activity in the province has increased dramatically, fuelled by climate change, outdated forest management, and decades of fire suppression.

Whether you’re a local outdoor enthusiast or a visitor, it’s vital to stay informed and prepared while still enjoying the natural beauty our province has to offer. Recreation during wildfire season means adding extra checks to your trip planning, including fire bans, smoke forecasts, air quality advisories, road closures, and evacuation orders.

When does wildfire season start in BC?

Wildfire season can start as early as April. In some cases, old fires can smoulder underground over winter and reignite in hot and dry conditions. The wildfire season typically peaks in July and August, but can extend into the fall. Cooler, wetter conditions in the autumn usually reduces wildfire activity.

When is the best time to visit British Columbia?

There’s no guaranteed way to predict which regions will be affected by wildfire or how smoke will travel. If you’re visiting in July or August, plan for possible smoky skies and regional closures. Flexibility is key. Resources like campsites and hotels may be repurposed to support evacuees.

Wildfire season coincides with BC’s peak tourism period, which runs from May through October. Fires can severely impact tourism in some areas while increasing it in others, such as coastal areas, which often see a surge in visitors when interior destinations are affected. Outside of July and August, tourism slows, but weather may be cooler and wetter. Here are some tips to help you plan:

• Mid-June to mid-July: The “sweet spot” between the cool, rainy “Juneuary” and peak wildfire season. Ideal for clearer skies and warm temperatures.
• September: A quieter tourism month. Weather can be unpredictable. Some years the cooler, wetter weather starts early, and other years summer conditions continue into October. Fires may still burn, but fall rain often improves air quality.

Most Affected Regions:

• Northeast BC
• Southern Interior: Including the Thompson-Okanagan, Cariboo, and Kootenays
• Coastal regions: Less affected, though not immune

Useful Links for Trip Planning

• Fire Bans and Restrictions
• Emergency Info BC
• Official BC Wildfire Map
• BC Fire Map
• Drive BC
• BC Wildfire Service App

Useful Weather Links

• Air Quality Warnings
• Air Quality Health Index
• Purple Air
• UNBC Air Quality Map
• Smoke Forecast
• Environment Canada Weather
• Weather Network
• WindyTV

Symptoms of Smoke Irritation

Smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can harm even healthy individuals, especially during extended exposure. During air quality advisories, limit outdoor activity and avoid physical exertion outside. If extended exposure is unavoidable, wear a fitted N95 mask or respirator.

Symptoms of smoke irritation may include:

• Headaches
• Cough
• Mucus
• Nose, throat, eye, and sinus irritation

Less common symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Wheezing
• Chest pains
• Severe cough
• Asthma attacks
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Premature death
• Reproductive effects

Preventing Wildfires

Before you go:

• Check for fire bans and restrictions
• Check for area-specific restrictions (ie. no fires in alpine areas)
• Smokers should have a plan for disposal that does not involve littering
• Be mindful that many wildfires are caused unintentionally (campfires, industrial sparks, vehicle engines and exhaust, discarded cigarettes, fireworks, lanterns , open flame stoves.)
• Review fire safety best practices

Off-road recreational vehicles:

• Stay on designated paths especially during wildfire season
• Avoid dry vegetation: hot exhausts can ignite fires
• Carry water and a hand tool to put out fires

Best practices for campfires:

• Build away from flammable items
• Use designated fire pits when possible
• If in a tidal area, fire should be made below the most recent high tide line
• Create a fuel break around the fire (remove anything combustible or use a rock ring)
• Never use accelerants
• Only burn wood
• Wood should be no longer than your forearm
• Have 8L of water and a shovel
• Fire should be no more than 0.5 metres x 0.5 metres in size
• Never leave fires unattended
• Extinguish until ashes are cool to the touch

What to do if you’re caught in a wildfire outdoors

• Before you go, check your area for any new or active fires
• Call 911 if you think you’re in danger
• Put distance between you and the fire
• Don’t try to outrun a fire uphill (fires move more quickly uphill)
• Move perpendicular to the fire
• Move away from the direction of the smoke
• If safe to do so, climb to a high point for better visibility and get a cell signal
• Find an open area with less vegetation (rock slide, body of water)
• Use terrain to shield you from heat (ie a large boulder)
• Stay low
• Put on extra clothing to protect your skin
• Make yourself visible (bright clothing, tent fly)
• Always leave a trip plan
• Follow search and rescue instructions if evacuated