Encouraging people to prepare for seasonal hazards

VICTORIA -

Summary

• Warming weather increases the likelihood of flooding, drought and wildfires
• People are encouraged to plan ahead, refresh emergency kits and take small steps to conserve water
• Province continues strengthening emergency management, wildfire response and community supports

__________

As warming weather raises the risk of climate-related emergencies, the Province is urging people throughout British Columbia to prepare for potential spring flooding, drought and wildfires.

"Our government is continuing to strengthen mitigation and emergency response supports for people and communities, but preparedness starts at home," said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. "Taking small steps now, like making a household emergency plan, having a grab-and-go kit ready and knowing where to get emergency information, can make a real difference when it matters the most."

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is working closely with First Nations and local governments to prepare for the upcoming spring and summer hazard season, including hosting preparedness sessions throughout the province. Ministry staff are available 24/7 to support communities before, during and after emergencies.

Seasonal flooding

Warming temperatures during the coming weeks will accelerate snowmelt throughout the province and increase spring run-off. When combined with heavy or sustained rainfall, this can heighten the risk of flooding in rivers, streams and lakes.

The April 1, 2026, River Forecast snowpack survey shows B.C.'s overall snowpack at 92% of normal, compared to 79% in April 2025.

"As we move into spring and temperatures begin to rise, our focus is on keeping people, families and communities safe," said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. "From flooding to droughts, we are seeing the impacts of climate change on seasonal hazards. However, people can take comfort in knowing that we are working closely with local governments and First Nations throughout B.C. to ensure the right planning, infrastructure and supports are in place to help communities when they need it."

Communities and people living in low-lying areas are encouraged to clear drains and gutters, move equipment to higher ground and remain alert for sudden changes in water levels. A rapid drop in levels may signal a problem upstream. People should contact their local fire, police or public works department if something appears unusual.

Drought and water scarcity preparedness

In past years, several regions of the province have experienced drought. This is expected to be a recurring concern due to climate change. By taking small steps now to use water efficiently, communities, businesses and people can create a lasting impact on water supply.

When local water supply cannot meet the needs of people or the environment, the result is water scarcity. Water scarcity may be influenced by drought, but is also affected by water use and water storage.

The Province is preparing for drought and water scarcity by monitoring watershed risks and working on practical solutions informed by knowledge from local partners, including boosting water storage with farmers through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program.

Wildfire risk and preparedness

The BC Wildfire Service forecast indicates the potential for an active spring wildfire season due to persistent drought conditions. This activity is expected to increase if limited precipitation continues over the next several weeks and months.

Ahead of the 2026 wildfire season, the BC Wildfire Service has:

• improved recruitment
• expanded First Nations bootcamps
• provided specialized training for wildland-urban interface operations to more than 1,700 fire departments, First Nations and contractors
• invested $14 million to expand on-the-ground firefighting equipment, such as trucks and camp infrastructure

Preparedness for the 2026 wildfire season builds on actions taken to strengthen the BC Wildfire Service in previous years, including:

• hosting the first National Wildfire Symposium, which focused on building a national leadership strategy that will shape wildfire resiliency across Canada
• investing in the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust to support wildfire-risk reduction and commercial thinning projects
• investing in predictive tools and technology, such as enhanced wildfire camera networks and an advanced fire-behaviour prediction system
• investing in a larger equipment depot in Prince George to help move equipment more efficiently throughout B.C.

"Through year-round positions, expanded technology and investments in new equipment, the BC Wildfire Service is ready for whatever may come this wildfire season," said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. "I encourage everyone in B.C. to participate in FireSmart activities around their homes and communities, to be prepared by having a grab-and-go bag and to always be up to date on the current wildfire situation by downloading the BC Wildfire app."

Before the wildfire season begins, people can play a crucial role in protecting their homes and community from wildfire risk by following proven FireSmart steps. These include:

• removing dry leaves, pine needles and branches from roofs, gutters and yards
• creating space between buildings and anything that can burn, such as firewood and propane tanks
• moving other items, such as plastic toys and dog houses, at least 10 metres from structures
• keeping lawns cut short

Prepare for all hazards

People are encouraged to build an emergency kit with essential supplies and prepare a grab-and-go bag for each household member, including pets. A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that is easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. It's a good idea to make grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace and vehicle.

Now is also a good time to check existing emergency kit supplies and replace expired items, such as food and medications.

When evacuation orders are issued by local governments and First Nations, Emergency Support Services (ESS) can provide short-term supports for people who need help meeting their basic needs, such as accommodation, food and clothing. People are encouraged to create an ESS profile now, before there is an emergency, to make it quicker and easier to access support during an evacuation.

Information about current emergencies, including evacuation orders, alerts and recommended actions to take, will be available on EmergencyInfoBC.ca and on X and Facebook @EmergencyInfoBC. This resource is updated 24 hours a day.

Having home or tenant insurance remains one of the best ways for people to financially protect themselves during an emergency. It covers the cost of repairing your home and replacing your belongings and will typically cover accommodation and other living expenses if you are placed under an evacuation order.

Quick Facts:

• In co-ordination with local governments and First Nations, and at their request, the Province can issue BC Emergency Alerts to cellphones, radio and television for wildfires, floods, extreme heat and tsunamis.
• Natural Resources Canada can issue emergency alerts for earthquakes.
• Since 2017, the Province has provided approximately $560 million to First Nations and local governments for approximately 2,800 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects.
• Since 2018, the Province has invested $190 million in community grants through FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program, including a $15-million boost in Budget 2026.
• There are almost 150 cultural and prescribed burn projects planned for 2026; 76 were completed in 2025.

Learn More: