How to find the latest wildfire news and evacuation information in B.C.

CBC News | Posted: May 9, 2023 12:04 AM | Last Updated: August 21, 2023

Plus how to monitor air quality, road closures and other information you need

Image | People in downtown Kelowna watch McDougall Creek wildfire burning in West Kelowna, B.C., on Aug. 17, 2023.

Caption: The McDougall Creek wildfire burning in West Kelowna, B.C., is seen from across the Okanagan Lake on Aug. 17, 2023. (Winston Szeto/CBC)

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UPDATE Aug. 19, 2023: Wildfires are forcing evacuations in the Shuswap and Thompson Nicola regions.

A list of evacuation orders and alerts can be found through the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and Thompson Nicola Regional District.

Evacuees should register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or at the following emergency reception centres:

The Salmon Arm Senior Citizen Centre at 170 5th Ave. SE.
The Kamloops McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre at 1655 Island Pkwy. in Kamloops, which is accessible via Chase Creek Road.

UPDATE Aug. 18, 2023: A fast-moving wildfire has spread into Kelowna and West Kelowna, B.C.

Residents can find out how their property is affected by entering their address in an online map.

A list of evacuation orders and alerts can be found on the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website.

The Salvation Army at 1480 Sutherland Dr., Kelowna
Royal LePage Place at 2760 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna
Kal Tire Place at 3445 43rd Ave., Vernon

Tracking wildfires in your region

Wildfires forcing people from their homes have become an annual event in British Columbia and understanding how to get the latest information from officials is vital.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) provides a list of all current wildfires in the province, as well as an interactive map that allows you to see where the fires are burning relative to specific communities.

Particular attention is paid to wildfires of note, which are "highly visible" or pose "a potential threat to public safety."

B.C. under state of emergency as fast-moving wildfire destroys homes near West Kelowna

Wildfires may also be classified as out of control, which means crews are not able to curb their spread. These fires may not necessarily pose a threat to public safety if they are far from homes or property.

The BCWS provides a list of all fire bans and restrictions.

Other wildfire terminology

In addition to wildfires of note and out-of-control wildfires, here are some other key terms you may hear:

A wildfire is an unplanned fire that occurs in a wilderness area, away from people or structures. A prescribed burn that escapes its intended perimeter can also be considered a wildfire.

Media Video Vancouver at 6 : Wildfire jargon explained

Caption: Need-to-know terminology for B.C's wildfire season

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An interface fire could potentially affect man-made structures, while at the same time burning natural fuels such as trees and shrubs. In this situation, a house fire could jump to the forest or vice versa.

When a fire is under control but still smouldering it is being held.

A fire is considered contained when a fuel-free perimeter has been established around the blaze.

You can find a full glossary of terms on the BCWS website.

Evacuation orders and alerts

Local governments are responsible for issuing evacuation orders and alerts during emergencies.

An evacuation alert means you should be prepared to leave your property at a moment's notice.

An evacuation order means you must leave the area immediately and are not allowed inside of the area covered by the order. These are often enforced by police.

Media Video BC : Evacuation alert vs. evacuation order: What you need to know

Caption: Wildfire season has begun in B.C., and terms like 'evacuation alert' and 'evacuation order' are constantly in the news. CBC's Maurice Katz tells us the difference between the two, and more.

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Many local governments have set up text alert systems, which you can sign up for by visiting your municipal government website.

Regional districts often take the lead when it comes to emergency situations. CivicInfo B.C. maintains a directory of regional districts.

After a local government issues an evacuation order or alert, the information is later posted online by Emergency Info B.C.

Everyone affected by an evacuation order is asked to check in at a reception centre or via phone so officials can be sure they are safe.

Road closures

You can check road conditions, closures, delays and detours by visiting the Drive B.C. website, maintained by the province's transportation ministry.

If you do not have internet access, you can call 1-800-550-4997 toll-free to get current conditions.

WATCH LIVE | Coverage of the wildfires in the Kelowna area and across B.C.:

Being prepared

Officials recommend you prepare a grab-bag of key items, such as identification, medication and cellphones, so you are ready to leave at a moment's notice.

How to get ready for a wildfire evacuation on short notice

If your home is under an evacuation alert, it is recommended you bring your kit with you when you run errands or go to work, in case evacuation orders are issued while you are out and you're unable to return home.

Prepared B.C. has a suggested packing list on its website as does the federal government.

Accessing shelter and support

If you are impacted by an emergency situation, supports are in place so you can have a place to sleep, access food vouchers and receive financial aid. This information is collected on the B.C. government's emergency management website.

Insurance

The Insurance Bureau of Canada [IBC] says all standard homeowner and tenant insurance policies cover damage caused by fires and also provide coverage to help with the cost of mass evacuations.

IBC advises anyone forced to flee in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia to make a list of damaged or destroyed items and keep receipts for expenses they incurred. The more details, it said, the better when it comes to making a claim.

And the bureau recommends getting your insurance claim started as soon as possible.

Helping out

The B.C. Wildfire Service says it cannot accept donations of food, supplies, or equipment, nor can individual members.

Instead, it suggests those wishing to help work with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross, which has launched an appeal to help support people affected by wildfires.

The Red Cross says financial donations are the best way to help, so resources can be directed where they are needed and not go to waste.

Canadians wishing to make a donation can do so online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

CanadaHelps has also put together a list of verified charities fundraising to help people affected by wildfires in B.C. and across Canada, including the Central Okanagan Food Bank and Salvation Army.

Learn more about how to help here:

How you can help people impacted by B.C. wildfires

Air quality

Image | People swim, play and walk in Kelowna City Park amid 34 C temper

Caption: Smoke blankets Lake Okanagan in Kelowna, B.C. on Aug. 16, 2023. (Winston Szeto/CBC)

Even if flames aren't an imminent threat, smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds of kilometres and affect people's health.

Air pollution hurts Canadians' life expectancy, says UBC study

Environment Canada issues public weather alerts, including air quality advisories, on its website and through social media channels.

The B.C. government also provides an air quality health index and map that use data from monitoring stations across the province.

And researchers at the University of Northern British Columbia have partnered with Environment and Climate Change Canada to create a crowdsourced map using air quality monitors from across the country.

Learn more about air quality and what the numbers mean.

How we measure air quality and what the numbers mean

How to stay safe amid the smoke and poor air quality of wildfire season