Emergency Preparedness

Wildfires

How do Wildfires Start, and How do They Travel

In BC, most wildfires start because of lightning; the second main cause is human activity, such as:

• Open burning
• Vehicle and engine use
• Industrial activity
• Fireworks, sky-lanterns, outdoor flame lighting
• Discarding burning items (cigarettes)
• Arson

Additionally, Climate change has caused drier, hotter summers, and these conditions have increased the quantity of fires over the last few years.

Three main factors that impact a wildfire’s ability to grow are:

Fuel

• Dry/dead vegetation catches fire more easily than moist vegetation
• Small pieces of fuel like grass and twigs catch fire more quickly, but large things like trees burn hotter
• Fuel that is consistently spread out allows fire to travel easily

Weather

• High wind speeds increase fire activity and dry out fuel
• Low humidity dries out fuel sources

Topography

• Fires burn quickly uphill, and rolling debris increases fire spread downhill
• South-facing slopes are often drier and hotter, which increases fire activity
• Valleys and mountainous areas may impact wind speed

Another factor in the spread of fires is embers. Embers can travel up to two kilometres ahead of a fire line and are often the cause of fires travelling within a community.

Resources for Vulnerable Persons

Evacuations won’t look the same for all individuals and households. If you or a member of your household may be alone and unable to evacuate yourself/themselves in the event of an evacuation order, it is important to plan in advance.

The 2026 Vulnerable Persons Database is a free, voluntary and confidential service designed to identify and support residents who may face challenges such as:

• Mobility issues
• Vision or hearing impairments
• Learning disabilities
• Mental health concerns
• Dependence on electricity for medical equipment
• Limited access to internet or technology
• No vehicle access
• Temporary vulnerability such as recovery from
• surgery or injury

Want to register or have a question? Scan the QR Code, call 250-426-2188, 1-855-346-2188 or email: emergencyinfo@rdek.bc.ca