Wildfire risk will continue into fall

VICTORIA - People should continue to use caution and take steps to be prepared by staying up to date on current conditions, following fire prohibitions and being Firesmart, as the risk of wildfire is expected to continue into fall.

The BC Wildfire Service's fall seasonal outlook forecasts ongoing wildfire risk for much of the province, especially in the Cariboo and southwestern Interior.

Convective thunderstorms typically decrease as fall approaches; however, despite a lower likelihood of wildfires due to lightning, human-caused wildfires remain a risk. Until the southern coast shifts to a stormier fall-like pattern and the Prince George and Kamloops fire centres receive substantial rainfall, the wildfire danger ratings will continue to be elevated.

As a result of the late summer's record-breaking heat wave, combined with ongoing drought, people in B.C. are encouraged to be prepared for the risk of wildfire this fall. Open-burning prohibitions remain in place throughout B.C., including campfire prohibitions in the Cariboo, Prince George, and Kamloops fire centres and parts of the Coastal fire centre. Always check with local governments, First Nations and other authorities before starting a campfire.

The BC Wildfire app provides up-to-date information, such as active wildfires, fire prohibitions, and evacuation alerts and orders, as well as weather forecasts. New wildfires can be reported directly in the app or by calling *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 (toll-free).

As of Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, approximately 128 active wildfires are burning in British Columbia, with 15 considered out of control.

Learn More:

To read the full fall seasonal outlook, visit:
https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/fall-2025-seasonal-outlook/

For BC Wildfire Service information and updates, visit:
https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard

For information about fire prohibitions, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions

For the latest information about evacuation alerts and evacuation orders in B.C., visit: https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca
or follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X

For more information about how to FireSmart your home, visit: https://firesmartbc.ca

For information about how to prepare for emergencies, including information about emergency kits, household emergency plans and hazard-specific guides, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca