B.C. wildfires: What you should do if you receive an evacuation order
Posted August 9, 2026 12:40 pm.
With the looming threat of wildfires across the province, several organizations have put together lists of what someone who is given evacuation orders should do while preparing to leave, and how to find out more information.
On the B.C.’s Emergency Preparedness site, they list several things that individuals should do when they receive an evacuation alert.
- Move patio furniture, cushions and door mats indoors
- Clear vegetation that could easily catch fire – pine needles, dead grass, dead plants
- Take down flammable curtains and window treatments
- Connect garden hoses and fill large containers with water, such as pools, hot tubs and garbage cans. This can assist firefighters and help slow advancing flames
- Turn off all unnecessary appliances, such as air conditioners, and hot tubs.
- Ensure your house number is visible. This will help firefighters locate your home quickly
- Disconnect automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened by hand if you lose power
Authorities suggest packing go-bags with the following things:
- Food and water for 72-hours
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, and power bank
- A first aid kit and necessary prescriptions
- Cash in small bills (ATM’s may not be available)
- Toiletries
- Change of clothing
- Emergency blanket
- Copies of important documents like insurance and emergency contacts
- If you have pets, a bag of their necessities
Once an evacuation order is issued, everyone should leave their home immediately.
When leaving your home, you should close doors and windows and turn on both interior and exterior lights so your home is visible to firefighters in heavy smoke.
People should only follow designated evacuation routes and travel to support locations, such as reception centres, or else you may not have access to support resources.
Reception centres are staffed with trained emergency service support (ESS) volunteers that can assist evacuees with keeping up to date on evacuation details, register with ESS services, get referrals to food, clothing, and shelter suppliers.
Officials suggest signing up for ESS services via your cell phone before arriving if possible by visiting: https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
Evacuees can also visit EmergencyInfoBC to stay up to date with orders, rescinding of orders, and other news on wildfires.
