Summary

• Government declared a state of provincial emergency on Aug. 8, 2026, in response to significant wildfire activity and widespread evacuations in B.C.
• While thousands of people have returned home, wildfire risk remains elevated as warm, dry conditions continue throughout much of the province
• People are encouraged to remain prepared for evolving wildfire conditions and follow directions of their local government or First Nation

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Government has extended the state of provincial emergency for a further seven days, until Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in response to the ongoing risk of wildfires in many parts of British Columbia.

The extension follows advice from emergency-management officials and ensures the Province continues to have access to emergency powers under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act if they are required.

To date, government has not needed to issue emergency orders under the state of emergency to respond to the current wildfire situation. However, maintaining the state of emergency ensures the tools needed to respond quickly remain available as wildfire conditions continue to evolve.

The Province declared the state of provincial emergency on Aug. 8, 2026, due to wildfires burning throughout the province, including the Bald Range wildfire. At the time, more than 20,000 people were evacuated from their homes.

While most people have returned home, thousands of people in B.C. continue to be on evacuation alerts and orders, and wildfire risk in the Okanagan region and other parts of the province remains elevated due to warm and dry conditions.

Continue to be prepared

People throughout the province are encouraged to remain prepared and stay alert to changing wildfire conditions.

People are encouraged to:

• Check emergency plans and make sure everyone in the family knows what to do in case of an evacuation alert or order.
• Pre-register for Emergency Support Services through the BC Services Card app or the website: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
• Pack grab-and-go bags for each member of the household, including pets. Bags should have medications, important papers, phone chargers, water, food and clothes. Keep bags at home, at work and in the car.
• Stay informed by checking with local government, First Nation or EmergencyInfoBC.ca for the latest emergency information.
• If directed to evacuate, follow all instructions from local officials.

Learn More:

• For the latest information on evacuation alerts and evacuation orders in B.C., visit: https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca
  Or follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X.
• For information on how to prepare for emergencies, including information about emergency kits, household emergency plans and hazard-specific guides, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca 
• To register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/  
• For BC Wildfire Service information and updates, visit: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard
• For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/
• For more information about air-quality warnings, visit: https://aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca/