British Columbia's summer wildfire risks
Published July 14, 2026
The BC Wildfire Service is expecting a warmer-than-normal summer, with fire activity likely to peak in July and August.
BC residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution and take steps to be prepared by staying up to date on current conditions, following fire prohibitions and being Firesmart.
Home insurance in BC generally includes fire coverage, including wildfire, as a standard part of most home insurance policies. During major wildfire events, insurers may temporarily restrict new policies or coverage add-ons in areas facing imminent threat and it’s important to stay current with coverage conditions.
The BC Wildfire app provides up-to-date information on 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 late June 2026, BC is entering the warmest months of the year with elevated wildfire risk across much of the province. Persistent drought remains a concern in the Chilcotin, Lower Thompson, Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Northeast regions, where precipitation deficits and summer heat will contribute to the likelihood of wildfire events.
Resources
To read the full summer seasonal outlook, visit:
Summer 2026 Seasonal Outlook – BC Wildfire Service
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
For more information about how to FireSmart a 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