As people in B.C. prepare to celebrate the Labour Day long weekend before students return to school, people are encouraged to plan ahead, stay safe and be prepared for seasonal risks.

Hot summer weather and dry conditions continue to keep much of the province at increased risk for wildfires. Open-burning prohibitions are still in place in the province, including campfire prohibitions in the Coastal, Cariboo and Kamloops fire centres. Always check with local governments, First Nations and other authorities, such as BC Parks, before starting a campfire. People planning to have campfires should do so safely. If you are in an area where campfires are permitted, avoid having one when it’s windy and never leave it unattended. Always use a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris.

People are encouraged to prepare for hot weather by staying hydrated, taking breaks in cool areas and knowing where local cooling centres are located. Find information about heat warnings and locations of cooling centres through local authorities and/or on Emergency Map B.C.

Hot, dry weather brings higher fire risk. The BC Wildfire Service mobile app provides up-to-date wildfire information, including active wildfires, fire prohibitions, 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).

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to make sure their insurance includes wildfire coverage. Check your insurance policy to understand what evacuation supports are available through your coverage. If you’re unsure, call your insurance provider or the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1 844 227-5422 or visit: https://www.ibc.ca/

To reduce fire risk around homes, people can take simple FireSmart steps, such as:

• clear away dry leaves and debris;
• move propane tanks and other flammables at least 10 metres from structures;
• keep lawns short and watered where possible, following local restrictions;
• close windows and doors; and
• choose fire-resistant plants for landscaping.

With the busy fall season approaching, now is a good time to refresh household emergency plans. Having a grab-and-go bag ready for each household member and pets and creating an Emergency Support Services profile will help reduce the time to get ready in the event an evacuation is required.

The last long weekend of the summer also brings increased travel throughout the province. Drivers should be prepared for heavier-than-usual traffic volumes and possible delays. Before heading out, check DriveBC for the latest road conditions, closures and detours.

People venturing into the backcountry are encouraged to follow the three Ts: trip planning, training and taking the essentials to help ensure a safe return home.

As of Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, there are approximately 78 active wildfires burning in British Columbia, with 15 considered out of control. At the present time, there are no wildfires of note.

Staying alert, respecting fire bans and planning ahead will help ensure everyone enjoys a safe long weekend and a smooth return to school and regular fall routines.

Learn More:

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

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

To check road conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

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

To access the Province’s PreparedBC extreme-heat preparedness guide, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca/ExtremeHeat

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

To view an interactive map of cooling centres and hot-weather resources in B.C. visit: https://EmergencyMapBC.ca 

To make your own Emergency Plan, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyReady  

To register with Emergency Support Services and create a profile, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

For backcountry safety checklists and trip-planning resources, visit: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/

For information about Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather alerts, visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca