Government of British Columbia
Resources from this organization
Addressing tthe New Normal: 21st Century Disaster Management in British Columbia
This strategic Review examines and assesses government response to flood and wildfire events of the 2017 season. In considering all aspects of the Province’s response to the floods and wildfires of 2017, the Review team engaged British Columbians directly in the process. This included consulting with individuals, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, organizations and other stakeholders to gain the widest possible cross-section of perspectives through sessions undertaken in or near affected communities. As outlined in greater detail in Section 4.0, engagement included submissions received in writing and conversations that took place with one or both co-chairs. For more detailed information on the Review team’s findings, see Section 5.0. For a detailed examination of our proposed recommendations, see Section 6.0.
Firestorm 2003: Provincial Review
At the time, the summer of 2003 was the worst ever for forest fires in British Columbia. Abnormally hot, dry weather resulted in over 2,500 wildfire starts over a vast area, mostly in the Interior of the province. Interface fires, which occur in places where wildland meets urban development, were at an all-time record high, destroying over 334 homes and many businesses, and forcing the evacuation of over 45,000 people. The total cost of the Firestorm is estimated at $700 million. The greatest cost of all was the loss of the lives of three pilots who died in the line of duty. The Firestorm 2003 Provincial Review was established by the provincial government to evaluate the overall response to the emergency and make recommendations for improvement in time for the next fire season. Our findings and recommendations cross all levels of government: federal, provincial, municipal and regional, and are also aimed at individuals.
Wildfire Service
View a map with the location and details of all active wildfires in B.C., current wildfire statistics and additional resources.