BC Wildfire Service expecting warmer-than-normal spring temperatures

B.C. is set to see warmer-than-normal temperatures for the next few months, the BC Wildfire Service says, as the province continues to see drought-like conditions in some regions.

In its ‘Spring Outlook,’ the wildfire-fighting service says that with the warmer temperatures, there is a chance for more precipitation than normal for coastal and central B.C. in April, May, and June.

“Above-normal precipitation could counter warmer-than-average temperatures to delay increasing wildfire hazard over coastal and central B.C.,” the BCWS said in its update Wednesday.

The forecast comes after the province saw 100 to 200 per cent of its normal amounts of precipitation in March this year. However, the BCWS notes that snowpack growth in January and February was “limited,” with significantly less than normal.

Looking specifically toward the wildfire season this year, the fire service says the northeast of the province remains an “area of concern” given the ongoing drought conditions in that area.

“Overall, winter precipitation was less than normal for much of the province. … Overwinter fires will reemerge with warming over the next month. BCWS has undertaken work to mitigate their spread this spring,” BCWS said.

However, the wildfire service says it’s expecting a “less aggressive” start to the season over southern B.C. due to recent precipitation and an “early green up.”

“The upcoming drier pattern will maintain drought conditions over the northeast and Southern Nechako region, increasing the potential of more intense wildfires over those areas later this summer.”

In a statement, the province says the risk of wildfire ignitions remains elevated unless the region sees “significant and sustained rains.”

“Every day, the hard-working members of the BC Wildfire Service are preparing for the 2025 wildfire season,” said Ravi Parmar, minister of forests. “We don’t know what it will bring, but we are putting in the work each and every day to protect our communities.”

(Courtesy Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, via B.C. Government)

“With warmer weather just around the corner, I urge British Columbians to do their part to help protect their homes and communities through our provincial FireSmart program,” he said.

“To prepare for seasonal hazards, people should put together an emergency kit that includes essentials, such as water, non-perishable food, medication and a first-aid kit. In addition, pack a grab-and-go bag, which is a small emergency kit that’s easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. Having a home emergency plan with important details, such as contact information and emergency meeting places, is also encouraged,” the province added.

Warming weather over the coming weeks will cause snowpack to melt, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness says. This means a greater chance of spring flooding, drought, and wildfires.

“The latest snowpack surveys from the River Forecast Centre, released on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, show B.C.’s overall snowpack is at 79% of normal. Comparatively, in April 2024, the provincial snowpack averaged 63% of normal, the lowest it had been in 50 years,” the ministry said.

“Over the past year, we’ve taken significant action to strengthen our ability to mitigate and respond to emergencies to better support people,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Preparing for emergencies is a team effort, and as warmer weather arrives, it’s equally important that people have their own emergency plan, have a grab-and-go bag ready and know what to do in all types of emergency situations. By being prepared, we will get through whatever this season brings together.”

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