Province of British Columbia

06/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/25/2026 14:21

Plan ahead, stay safe this Canada Day

VICTORIA -

Summary

  • There are currently 37active wildfires burning in B.C., with open fire prohibitions in effect throughout much of the province
  • Most new wildfires at this time of year are preventable and people are asked to take precautions with any fire use this Canada Day
  • Higher-than-average traffic volumes are expected provincewide, and travellers should plan and check road conditions before heading out
  • With drier conditions, people are encouraged to be water wise and respect any local restrictions

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Residents and travellers are encouraged to plan, be prepared and celebrate safely heading into Canada Day as wildfire activity and dry conditions continue throughout B.C.

With fire danger elevated throughout much of the province, people are reminded that most new wildfires are preventable. Before heading out, check for wildfire activity, road closures, evacuation alerts and orders, and be mindful of weather conditions.

Know the campfire restrictions wherever you are

Category 2 and 3 open-fire prohibitions are in effect throughout much of B.C., including the Coastal Fire Centre, Kamloops Fire Centre, Cariboo Fire Centre and parts of the Northwest Fire Centre and Prince Gorge Fire Centre. Prohibitions are expanding as summer conditions intensify. Fire restrictions in all regions will be updated as conditions change. People should check with local authorities and visit the BC Wildfire Service website or app for the latest restrictions before lighting any fire.

Preventing human-caused wildfires

This time of year, human-caused wildfires are mostly preventable. People planning to have campfires should do so safely. Avoid having a campfire when it's windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks around the fire and make sure it is clear from trees, shrubs, structures and debris. Do not leave a campfire unattended for any amount of time.

Additional precautions:

  • Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle on or within 300 metres of forested land or rangeland must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle.
  • To help reduce wildfire risks, check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear buildups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds.
  • Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, ensuring they are completely extinguished.

The BC Wildfire Service mobile app allows people to check the current wildfire situation, road conditions, evacuation information and weather forecasts, and to report new wildfires with photos. Wildfires can also be reported by calling *5555 on a cellphone or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free.

As of June 25, 2026, there are 37 active wildfires burning in B.C. Of those, threeare considered out of control.

Protect your home before heading out

Whether heading out or staying close to home, taking a few FireSmart steps can make a difference. Proven tips to protect homes and properties in urban and rural areas include:

  • clearing dry leaves and debris from around your property
  • moving propane tanks and other flammables at least 10 metres from structures
  • keeping grass cut short
  • closing doors and windows
  • watering trees, shrubs and plants regularly, following local water restrictions
  • considering more fire-resistant plants for landscaping

For people living in a high-risk wildfire area, now is the time to get prepared. Steps people can take include:

  • Create an emergency plan and share it with your household.
  • Pack a grab-and-go bag for each household member, including pets, with essentials, such as medications, important documents, phone chargers, food, water and clothing. It is a good idea to keep grab-and-go bags at home, at work and in your vehicle, as you may not be at home when an evacuation order is issued.
  • Register an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile through the BC Services Card app or online at: https://ess.gov.bc.ca
  • Confirm your home or tenant insurance includes wildfire coverage. For questions, contact your insurance provider or the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Dry conditions call for water-wise choices

Prolonged dry conditions are taking a toll on water levels throughout B.C., with drought expected to continue through the summer. Some communities may face increased water scarcity risks as a result. People are encouraged to be water-wise and respect any local restrictions. Water suppliers should continue to monitor the BC Drought Information Portal and ensure their emergency response and contingency plans account for potential water shortages.

Stay safe as temperatures rise

When extreme heat is forecast, Environment and Climate Change Canada may issue a heat warning: yellow, orange or red. Use the WeatherCAN mobile app for current weather alerts. When it's hot out, take steps to stay cool, such as using a fan or air conditioning, or seeking out a cooling centre.

Check in on family, friends and neighbours, as well as those who are more susceptible to the heat, such as older adults, those living alone and people with medical conditions that affect their mental or physical ability to respond to the heat.

Plan if heading into the backcountry

For people venturing into the backcountry this Canada Day, remember the three Ts: trip planning, training and taking the essentials. Visit AdventureSmart website for checklists and trip planning resources.

Hit the road safely this Canada Day

Roads throughout B.C. will be busier than usual this Canada Day and potentially throughout the week. Plan and keep these tips in mind.

  • Allow extra time to reach the destination.
  • Make sure the vehicle's fuel or charge is at least half full, and check oil, washer fluid, lights and tires, including the spare.
  • Pack food and water for passengers and pets.
  • Plan breaks at rest areas.
  • Watch for motorcyclists and share the road with cyclists and other users.
  • Obey posted speed limits and drive with caution, especially in mountain passes where conditions can change quickly.
  • Check DriveBC before travel to ensure the most up-to-date travel conditions: https://drivebc.ca

Learn More:

Province of British Columbia published this content on June 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 25, 2026 at 20:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]