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If a wildfire threatens your home, you may need to leave quickly. Take time now to build grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. This list will get you started:
✔️ Food and water
✔️ Phone charger and battery bank
✔️ Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
✔️ Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
✔️ Small first-aid kit and personal medications
✔️ Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
✔️ Copy of your emergency plan, copies of important documents, such as insurance papers
✔️ Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
Get the full recommended list at preparedbc.ca/grab-and-go. Once you’ve got the basics, customize each person’s bag to meet their needs, such as medications and comfort items!
Many FireSmart™ actions that reduce the wildfire risk to your property require little to no investment and will not negatively impact the aesthetics of your property.
May 1st, 2025 | Ministry of Forests | BC Wildfire Service
SMITHERS – With increased warm windy weather forecasted we are urging members of the public and industry to exercise extreme caution if conducting any open burning over the next couple days due to elevated fire danger across much of BC.
Beginning this evening, Thursday, May 1, temperatures are expected to climb, creating an environment where fine fuels dry out and become highly susceptible to ignition. In addition to increased temperatures, fire weather forecasters are anticipating strong, gusty southerly winds of 40-60 km/h on Friday, May 2, ahead of an approaching cold front.
These warm, dry and windy conditions may continue through to Saturday, May 3. Please check your local weather forecast and avoid open fire use until these conditions have passed.
The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to an increase in human caused fires over the past few weeks and human activity is the leading cause of wildfires in spring across B.C. Please do your part to help reduce the risk of wildfire.
The images below illustrate the Fire Danger Rating and Initial Spread Index for May 2, 2025.
For more information on open fire and safe burning, visit: Open fire and safe burning - Province of British Columbia
PreparedBC - Home Emergency Plan:
PreparedBC - Wildfire Preparedness Guide:
PreparedBC - In It Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide:
BC FireSmart - Begins at Home Guide:
BC FireSmart - FireSmart BC Landscaping Guide:
FireSmart Canada- Home Ignition Zone:
FireSmart Canada - Home Ignition Zone - Overlapping Zones:
BC Edition - The Home Owners FireSmart Manual:
Office of the Fire Commissioner BC: Our Home is Fire Safe - Provincial Guide to Home Fire & Burn Prevention:
