B.C. experiencing slow wildfire season, but officials urge caution and preparedness

Photo courtesy of BC Wildfire Service

Across much of the British Columbia, it has been a relatively quiet wildfire season – at least compared to recent years.

But provincial officials are warning the situation could change quickly as hot, dry weather settles in over the central and southern Interior.

“I encourage everyone to take some time to make a household emergency plan. Have a grab-and-go bag ready for every member of your family, including your pet,” said Kelly Greene, B.C.’s minister of emergency management and climate readiness.

“Make sure to include essentials like ready to eat food, drinking water, clothing, important documents, cash, and a copy of your emergency plan.”

Province-wide, there have been just over 600 wildfires to this point in the season.

Related: Full coverage of B.C.’s 2025 wildfire season

Last year at the same time, there had already been more than a thousand, and there were more than 1,500 at this time two years ago.

But drought-like conditions persist across large portions of the province.

Temperatures in some parts of the Okanagan could reach the high 30s in the coming days and officials are urging people to be fire smart – especially during the upcoming August long-weekend.

“This heat we’re experiencing over the next few days is going to challenge our suppression efforts because of the conditions of the fuel,” said Cliff Chapman, director of operations with the BC Wildfire Service.

“There is still underlying drought within the fuels within B.C., meaning the trees and the grasses. So, we are going to be challenged in the initial attack over the next 72 hours.”

At the time of publication, there were 63 active wildfires burning in the province.

None are considered wildfires of note, a designation BCWS applies to wildfires that are highly visible or pose a significant threat to public safety.