Warm winter, drought could lead to busy wildfire season: B.C. Wildfire Service

Wildfire near China Creek BC Wildfire Service #portalberni #albernivalley | Evan Hammond

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says a new, out-of-control wildfire is burning south of Port Alberni Monday night. As of 9:50 p.m. the China Creek wildfire south of Port Alberni has more than doubled in size since this afternoon, now estimated at over 630 hectares. BC Wildfire Service says hot, dry weather and gusty winds are driving the flames northward. An Evacuation Order is in place for China Creek Campground, with all visitors required to leave immediately. Residents in nearby areas are repo

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Responding to wildfires and other emergencies in B.C. would not be possible without the work of our dispatchers and call takers. Dispatchers work at our fire centres and the Provincial Airtanker Centre and are a critical communication link to responders in the field. Whether coordinating the movement of crews, planes, helicopters and other resources, or supporting the response to safety incidents or other emergencies in the field. Knowi

B.C. Wildfire Service updates on current wildfire and drought crisis

What’s that airtanker doing? Aviation is the most visible wildfire response resource and we get lots of questions about aircraft: Where are they going? How do they fit into response strategies? Helicopters and airtankers are a vital part of wildfire response in British Columbia, but they can’t contain wildfires on their own. The main purpose of aircraft is to support the work of ground crews. The BC Wildfire Service has a fleet of around 40 aircraft with access to many more if needed. Aircraft a

Fall may be just around the corner, but wildfire safety is still in season. So before you consider sparking up that end of season campfire, be sure to check if it’s allowed! Many wildfire prohibitions and restrictions are still in place, so here’s where to look before you head out: 📱BC Wildfire Service mobile app: -Click the Fire Ban feature along the top of the Map screen which gives a visual representation of where bans apply (https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map) -Click Dashboard and

BC Wildfire Service Operations Chief Kiah Allen and Fire Behaviour Analyst Ben Boghean provide an update on our operations on the Mount Underwood (V71498) wildfire, which is classified as Being Held in status. This means that with the resources assigned and the current and expected conditions, we do not expect this fire to grow beyond a pre-determined boundary or perimeter. To learn more about the Mount Underwood wildfire, visit the incident webpage: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incid

Today, the BC Wildfire Service joins Canada in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day by highlighting Indigenous peoples' contribution to wildfire management in B.C. Prescribed fire is the strategic application of fire to an area of land to enhance wildlife habitat, prepare an area for tree planting, reduce insect and disease outbreaks and reduce wildfire risk. Since time immemorial, Indigenous communities have been leaders in applying fire to the landscape for ecological benefit through cu