BC Prepares for Wildfire Season as Heat, Drought Risks Build

British Columbia is preparing for the 2026 wildfire season as forecasts point to elevated risks following several difficult years, CBC News reported (3-16-26). In a statement, Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar said, “The threat of wildfire continues to grow and evolve, but so too does the BC Wildfire Service.”

Environment Canada is forecasting that 2026 could rank among the hottest years on record. At the same time, the province’s River Forecast Center said low snowpack in some regions may increase the likelihood of drought conditions through the spring and summer.

BC officials reported about 2,400 applications for seasonal firefighter roles to date. More than 1,700 fire departments, First Nations, and contractors have also received specialized urban wildfire training.

The government said an expanded equipment depot in Prince George will be operational for the upcoming season, aimed at improving response capacity in northern BC.

The province has spent CA$14 million (US$10.2 million) on firefighting equipment this year, including trucks, camp infrastructure, and 10 equipment trailers.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, 1,370 wildfires burned more than 8,863 square kilometers (2.19 million acres) in BC last year—well above the province’s 10-year average. A hot, dry late summer extended fire activity into the fall.