B.C. provincial state of emergency ends as wildfire risk remains elevated

British Columbia's state of provincial emergency has ended, but the wildfire threat has not. The declaration, issued August 8 after a night of fast-moving fires, was lifted Thursday, August 27, following advice from emergency management officials.

The province activated emergency powers to ensure tools could be deployed quickly if needed—but ultimately did not require them. The Wildfire Act and Emergency and Disaster Management Act continue to provide the necessary legislative authority to respond to fire emergencies, and the province says it can declare a new state of emergency if conditions worsen.

What does NOT change: current evacuation orders, evacuation alerts, and local states of emergency declared by local governments and First Nations remain in force. Most affected communities are now shifting into recovery operations, with the province continuing to support that work.

Wildfire risk, however, remains elevated across much of B.C. due to warm, dry conditions. The province is continuing to monitor the situation actively.

Residents are urged to stay prepared. The province recommends checking emergency plans, pre-registering for Emergency Support Services through the B.C. Services Card app, packing grab-and-go bags for each household member including pets (with medications, important papers, phone chargers, water, food and clothes), and staying informed through local government, First Nation, or EmergencyInfoBC.ca.

For evacuation alerts and orders, check EmergencyInfoBC.ca or follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X. For air quality warnings, visit aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca. For road conditions, visit drivebc.ca.