- The Latest BC Wildfire Crisis
- Understanding Wildfires: The Threat to Canadian Communities
- Wildfire Preparedness Resources
- Preparing Your Home for a Wildfire
- Protecting Your Family and Pets During a Wildfire
- What to Do if You Need to Evacuate
- What to Do When a Wildfire Hits?
- Powering Your Home During a Wildfire: A Guide to Backup Energy Solutions
- Powering Your Home During a Wildfire
- Conclusion: Stay Safe and Stay Prepared
- 3 FAQs about Wildfire Safety
How to Prepare and Survive a Wildfire: Essential Steps for Canadian Residents
- The Latest BC Wildfire Crisis
- Understanding Wildfires: The Threat to Canadian Communities
- Wildfire Preparedness Resources
- Preparing Your Home for a Wildfire
- Protecting Your Family and Pets During a Wildfire
- What to Do if You Need to Evacuate
- What to Do When a Wildfire Hits?
- Powering Your Home During a Wildfire: A Guide to Backup Energy Solutions
- Powering Your Home During a Wildfire
- Conclusion: Stay Safe and Stay Prepared
- 3 FAQs about Wildfire Safety
Wildfires are becoming a bigger part of life in Canada, and being prepared is more important than ever. This guide will walk you through the key steps to protect your home, family, and health, using the latest news from British Columbia's wildfire season as a backdrop.
The Latest BC Wildfire Crisis
If you live in Canada, the news about British Columbia's 2025 wildfire season probably has your attention. It’s a powerful reminder that things are changing.
As of mid-July, even after some helpful rain, wildfires continue to burn across northeast B.C., having already covered nearly 7,000 square kilometres (700,000 hectares) since June. Most of the damage has been in the northeast part of the province, which has been stuck in a drought for six to seven years.
Officials are now warning that as the weather gets hot and dry again, the risk is shifting toward the more populated southern regions of B.C.
But this isn't just a B.C. problem. Because of climate change, wildfire seasons are getting longer and more intense all across Canada. That means being prepared is actually essential for every resident. Let's get into some practical tips to help you keep your home and family safe.
Understanding Wildfires: The Threat to Canadian Communities
It can be overwhelming to read news of the BC wildfires. But knowing a little more about how they start and spread is the first step for you to get prepared.
Simply put, wildfires are uncontrolled fires that get started in nature, often sparked by lightning or human carelessness, like an abandoned campfire.
They feed on dry grass, leaves, and trees, which is why they thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Climate change is making these conditions more common across Canada, leading to more frequent and powerful wildfires.
While B.C. is a hotspot, this is a national issue. Canada is currently at its highest alert level for wildfires, meaning all our firefighting resources are stretched thin fighting fires across the country.
The 2025 season in B.C. has shown just how disruptive these fires can be, forcing communities to evacuate and causing smoky skies for people hundreds of kilometres away.
Wildfire Preparedness Resources
Taking action is crucial, and you don’t have to do it alone. Several official resources can guide you:
- BC Wildfire Service: Use their interactive map for live updates on active fires and fire bans.
- EmergencyInfoBC: The go-to source for emergency alerts and evacuation notices in B.C.
- Local Websites: Many municipalities have their own alert systems. Check and sign up for updates.
- FireSmart Canada: A national program offering practical advice to make your home safer from wildfires.
Preparing Your Home for a Wildfire
Now it's time to put that knowledge into action, starting right at home.
Programs like FireSmart offer proven advice on protecting your property by creating a "defensible space." This just means clearing away flammable materials from the area around your house.
It’s simpler than it sounds.
Here’s how to get started:
Protecting Your Property:
- Roof and Gutters: Clean leaves and pine needles from your roof and gutters.
- Flammable Objects: Move items like firewood, propane tanks, and deck furniture at least 10 meters away from your house.
- Lawn and Garden: Trim your lawn and water your garden to keep vegetation from drying out.
Emergency Kit Essentials:
Prepare an emergency kit with supplies to last at least 72 hours. "Grab-and-go" bags for each family member should be stored in a convenient location.
Kit Checklist:
Sustenance: A three-day supply of non-perishable food and at least 4 liters of water per person per day.
Safety and First Aid: A first-aid kit, N95 masks for smoke protection, and personal medications.
Light and Communication: Flashlights with extra batteries, plus a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates during a power outage.
Power Backup: Include extra batteries and consider a portable power station (like EcoFlow) to power essential devices like phones or medical equipment during evacuations.
Important Documents and Cash: Keep copies of passports, insurance papers, and birth certificates in a waterproof bag, along with some cash for emergencies.
Evacuation Plan:
Ensure everyone in your household knows the evacuation plan.
- Escape Routes: Plan at least two routes to leave your neighborhood.
- Meeting Spots: Choose one nearby and one farther away in case you get separated.
- Out-of-Town Contact: Pick a friend or relative to serve as the point of contact.
Being well-prepared gives you peace of mind during wildfire season.
Protecting Your Family and Pets During a Wildfire
Once your home is prepared, it’s time to focus on protecting your family and pets. Here’s how to keep everyone safe, categorized by their needs:
General Protection (for all family members)
Stay Informed: Monitor official sources like the BC Wildfire Service and EmergencyInfoBC for real-time updates. Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed on evacuation orders and fire risks.
Air Quality: Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone, but especially to children, seniors, and pets. On smoky days, stay indoors with windows and doors closed. A portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter can significantly improve indoor air quality.
Evacuation Ready: Make sure everyone knows where the grab-and-go bags are. Have your phone charged for emergency communication, and ensure you can leave quickly if needed.
Specific Protection:
For Adults:
In addition to staying informed, adults should ensure that any medications are packed and ready. If you need to evacuate, be sure to check that essential documents and items are in your emergency kit.
For Children:
Children may be more anxious, so make sure they understand the evacuation plan and what to do in case of an emergency. Keep them calm by explaining things simply and reassuring them that they are safe.
For Seniors:
Seniors are more vulnerable to smoke and heat, so ensure they stay in a cool, clean-air environment. Keep their medications accessible and ensure they’re familiar with the evacuation plan.
For Pets:
Pack a separate bag for your pets with food, water, medications, and a leash or carrier. Update their ID tags or microchips, and ensure they’re included in your evacuation plans.
Key Takeaways:
- Stay Informed and Prepared: Keep up with alerts and have your emergency bags ready.
- Air Quality is Critical: Protect your family and pets from smoke, and stay indoors as much as possible.
- Evacuation Plan: Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to bring.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that both your family and pets are safe, ready to evacuate if necessary, and protected from harmful smoke exposure.
What to Do if You Need to Evacuate
You've got a plan, but it's just as important to know exactly when to use it. A big part of that is understanding the official warnings. It's crucial to know the difference between an evacuation alert and an evacuation order.
- An evacuation alert means "get ready." It's your signal to pack your grab-and-go bags and make sure your car has gas. You don't have to leave yet, but you should be prepared to go at a moment's notice.
- An evacuation order means "leave now." This is not a suggestion. It means you are in immediate danger and you must leave the area right away.
If you are ordered to evacuate and have a few minutes, here’s a quick checklist:
- Close all windows and doors.
- Shut off the main gas and water lines, and turn off the electricity unless told otherwise.
- Move flammable items like patio furniture away from the house.
- Grab your emergency kits, important papers, and pets.
- Let your out-of-town contact know you're leaving and where you're headed.
When you're on the road, stick to the routes officials tell you to use. Check DriveBC before you go for any road closures, as things can change fast. Wildfires can shut down major highways unexpectedly, as we've seen with the Alaska Highway this season. If you have to drive through a smoky area, keep your windows up and the car's air on recirculate. Most importantly, don't stop.
What to Do When a Wildfire Hits?
Wildfires are unpredictable and incredibly dangerous. When one breaks out, getting out safely is always the number one priority.
But if for some reason you can't evacuate, knowing how to handle the situation during and after the fire is crucial.
1. While the Wildfire is Happening
- Your Main Goal: Evacuate Immediately. If you can leave safely, don't hesitate—just go. Plan your escape routes ahead of time and be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
- What if you can't evacuate?
- If you're trapped indoors: Stay away from outer walls and windows, since those are the most likely spots to catch fire. Find the safest spot in the center of the house and stay low to the ground to avoid breathing in smoke.
- If you're trapped in a car: Quickly drive to an open area, far from trees and other flammable things. Roll up all the windows tightly, and lie down on the floor of the car to protect yourself from the heat and heavy smoke.
2. Protect Yourself and Avoid Smoke
Avoid smoke as much as possible: Wildfire smoke is very bad for your health. Stay indoors as much as you can with the doors and windows shut. If you absolutely have to go outside, remember to wear a well-fitted N95 mask, which can block a lot of harmful particles.
Pay attention to how you're feeling: If you can't stop coughing, or feel dizzy or have chest pains, don't just tough it out—see a doctor right away. Breathing in heavy smoke for a long time can lead to serious respiratory problems.
3. What to Do After the Wildfire
- Don't rush back home: Just because the fire is out doesn't mean the danger is over. You must wait for the official all-clear before you head back.
- Check for embers and hotspots: Once you're back, carefully check your property for any smoldering embers or hotspots that weren't fully extinguished. If they aren't dealt with, they could easily flare up again.
- Take photos for insurance: Take pictures of all the damaged areas. This is important evidence for your insurance claim. Then, contact your insurance company as soon as you can.
Powering Your Home During a Wildfire: A Guide to Backup Energy Solutions
In addition to ensuring your physical safety, dealing with power outages after a wildfire is crucial. Power disruptions are common during and after wildfires, often lasting several days. In BC, for example, wildfires like the 2023 Bush Creek East fire and the 2003 McLure fire caused major disruptions, damaging hundreds of power poles and causing widespread blackouts. The restoration of electricity can be a complex and lengthy process due to damaged power lines, substations, and limited access to affected areas.
Basic Supplies for Survival During Power Outages
In the event of a power outage, ensuring that you have the following basic supplies will help you survive:
Drinking water and non-perishable food: At least a 72-hour supply to sustain your family.
Medical equipment: Such as oxygen machines, CPAP machines, and other life-saving devices that require electricity.
Communication devices: Cell phones, radios, and other means of staying informed and in contact with emergency services.
Lighting: LED lamps, flashlights, and other essential lighting for visibility.
Heating: In cold weather, a reliable heating source is essential for maintaining comfort and safety.
To ensure you can power these essential devices during power outages, investing in a portable power station like EcoFlow products can be a game-changer.
Powering Your Home During a Wildfire
A power outage at home means the fridge stops running, you can't charge your phone, and you're left in the dark at night. A portable power station, like those from EcoFlow, is a very practical solution.
How to Choose the Right Power Station?
Which product you choose mainly depends on your household size and power needs.
For small households or individuals, if your basic needs are just charging phones and laptops and running some low-power appliances and lights, a small to medium model like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max (around 2kWh) is sufficient.
For medium-sized households, especially those needing to keep essential appliances like a refrigerator or critical medical devices like a CPAP machine running, a model with higher capacity and power output, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro (around 3.6kWh), is required.
For larger families or those who want to run multiple appliances simultaneously during an outage, you can opt for a larger, expandable system like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra.
Want Your Power to Last Longer? Add Solar Panels.
If you want true peace of mind during a long power outage, the best thing to do is pair your power station with solar panels.
Let's picture this: your family of four or five is caught in a blackout. But you have an EcoFlow DELTA Pro (with 3.6 kWh of stored power) and two 400W solar panels on hand.
If the weather's good: On a sunny day, those two panels can generate about 4 kWh of electricity. How much can that 4 kWh do? It's enough to keep your fridge running, charge the whole family's phones, keep the lights on at night, and even cook a meal on an induction cooktop. This turns the 3.6 kWh already stored in your power station into a pure emergency reserve. Even if the power is out for several days, you don't have to panic about food spoiling or being cut off from the outside world.
If you get cloudy or rainy days: In a place with unpredictable weather like British Columbia, solar efficiency might get cut in half, generating only about 2 kWh a day. But don't worry: even with just that much power, combined with the energy already in your power station, it's still enough to keep your most critical devices like the fridge and phones going for another day or two. This buys you and your family precious buffer time while you wait for the grid to come back on.
All in all, the right power station paired with solar panels will absolutely give you much more peace of mind during those post-disaster blackout days. It makes sure that when you need it most, your essential daily life won't be thrown into chaos.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Stay Prepared
This year's intense wildfire season in B.C. has shown us all that wildfires are a serious and growing threat across Canada. We can't stop every fire from starting, but we can control how prepared we are. Taking steps to make your home safer, having a solid family emergency plan, and knowing where to get good information are the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Don't wait for an evacuation alert. Use this guide to get your plan in place today. Share this info with your friends and neighbours: the safer everyone is, the stronger your community will be.
3 FAQs about Wildfire Safety
Q1: What is the best way to reduce fire risk around my property?
A: The best thing you can do is create a "defensible space" around your home using tips from programs like FireSmart. This means clearing flammable things like dry leaves and pine needles from your roof and gutters, moving firewood piles at least 10 metres from your house, and keeping your grass cut short.
Q2: How can I protect my pets during a wildfire evacuation?
A: Make your pets part of your emergency plan. Pack a grab-and-go bag for them with food, water, and any medications. Make sure their ID tags or microchip information is current. Have a carrier ready to go, and if you evacuate, try to find out about pet-friendly shelters ahead of time.
Q3: What should I do if I’m caught in heavy smoke during a wildfire?
A: Try to limit your exposure as much as possible. Stay inside with the windows and doors closed. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help clean the air in one room. Avoid any strenuous activity outside. If you absolutely have to be outdoors, a well-fitted N95 mask can offer some protection. If you start to feel really unwell (dizzy, short of breath, chest pain), get medical help.