The North Shore is at significant and increasing wildfire risk due to the following factors:
- Historically, large wildfires have occurred infrequently and small fires have been rapidly suppressed. This has resulted in a build-up of natural debris on the forest floor.
- Invasive species are spreading, degrading the health of the forest.
- Climate change science indicates that our region will continue to experience warmer, drier and longer summers over time.
- Past development practices have built into the adjacent forested areas, resulting in a wildland-urban interface that is vulnerable to wildfire.
- Human activity is leading cause of wildfire on the North Shore and our forested areas are increasingly popular with recreational users.
How to prepare
activity is leading ca Review the North Shore Evacuation Guide. Prepare an emergency plan and make an emergency kit so you can survive on your own for a minimum of 72 hours, and know what to do if you are evacuated.
To protect your home check out the BC FireSmart resources. Your municipality might offer a FireSmart Home Assessment. Learn the FireSmart techniques that will increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire here and check out the FireSmart video here.
What to do during a wildfire
- If you see a wildfire approaching your home, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Park cars facing out, windows up, unlocked. Keep car keys with you.
- Monitor local media and be prepared to evacuate at any time.
If you are ordered to evacuate
Do the following only if it is safe and there is time.
Outside the home
- Move flammable and combustible materials, such as lawn furniture, away from the home.
- Turn off propane tanks, barbecue included. Move items into garage or away from house into an open area where firefighters can see them.
- Monitor local media and be prepared to evacuate at any time.
- Connect garden hoses to outside faucets.
Inside the home
- Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds, or non-combustible window coverings. Leave doors unlocked.
- Remove lightweight curtains, close fire resistant blinds.
- Move flammable furniture away from windows and sliding glass doors.
- Leave interior and exterior lights on to help firefighters locate your home if it's dark or smoky.
- Turn off natural gas.
When you return, contact FortisBC to arrange for natural gas to be turned back on if you turned it off.
Get notified of a forest fire
Current Conditions
- For current information on active BC wildfires, click here
- Find out if smoke is impacting the air quality in your area here
