2026 British Columbia Wildfires
Photo: Aldis Brennan / Canadian Red Cross
Thousands of people across British Columbia are currently under evacuation orders or alerts due to ongoing wildfire activity.
The Canadian Red Cross is working alongside Indigenous leadership, municipal, provincial and federal governments to support individuals, families and communities impacted by the wildfires, at the request of authorities.
At the request of the Province of British Columbia and Regional Districts, the Red Cross is operating group lodging shelters in Kamloops and Penticton, supporting people in Vernon and Penticton at reception centres, as well as providing some virtual emergency support services.
The Red Cross is also providing supplies including blankets, cots, pillows, N95 masks, hygiene kits, clean-up kits, and teddy bears. The Red Cross remains ready to mobilize additional assistance as requested by impacted communities and governments.
People impacted by the wildfires can access information on evacuation alerts and orders through EmergencyInfoBC and learn more about available support through Emergency Support Services.
Support for those impacted by the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires
People impacted by wildfires in British Columbia can consult Provincial Emergency Support Services for next steps. More information regarding services that may be available is online at ess.gov.bc.ca/.
The BC Evacuee Helpline (1-800-387-4258) is open extended hours from 7:30 am to11:00 pm due to current wildfires.
People that are impacted are encouraged to reach out to ESS if they need emergency accommodation and can be referred, as needed, to group lodging sites in Kamloops and Penticton.
A Red Cross team is available on site to assist people who have been evacuated from their homes by providing emergency lodging, and basic emergency necessities.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 respirator masks and medical masks, free of charge, to Canadian organizations located in communities that may be affected by wildfire smoke, respiratory viruses or other public health events requiring personal protective equipment.
N95 respirators masks are effective at reducing exposure to particulate pollution, such as wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses.
N95 respirator masks may be available, free of charge, while supplies last, at locations across British Columbia.
Locations where free masks are available:
While stocks last
Community Futures Sun CountryAddress: 203 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Area Association
Address: 202-246 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A1
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Kamloops North Shore BIA
Address: 115 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC V2B 3H5
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
The Salvation Army
Address: 344 Poplar Street N, Kamloops, BC V2B 4B8
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. Everyone welcome. Ask staff for masks.
University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus
Address: 3287 University Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7
Masks are available at the Campus Security Dispatch Office.
Lake Country Health Planning Society
Address: 10080 Main Street N, Lake Country, BC V4V 1T8
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society
Address: 1999 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
District of Peachland
Address: 4450 6th Street, Peachland, BC V0H 1X6
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
Parm Bains Constituency Office
Address: Unit 230, 11331 Coppersmith Way, Richmond, BC V7A 5J9
Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Cariboo Friendship Society
Address: 99 3rd Avenue S, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1J1
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
Neskonlith Indian Band
Address: 705 Chief Neskonlith Drive, Chase, BC V0E 1M0
District of West Vancouver
Address: Seniors' Activity Centre, 695 21st St, West Vancouver, BC V7V 4A7
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. Available at the front desk.
Helpful resources
- Review the step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery for information on what to do when you return home after wildfires.
- Home Inventory Checklist: a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items. These items are referred to as home contents.
- Top 10 tips for working with contractors: if you are a homeowner, these tips will help you understand your role, ask the right questions, and protect your interests throughout the process of building or repairing your home.
Emergencies affect our wellbeing and mental health, disrupting our routines and access to social support. Individuals, families, and communities can be impacted with little warning and recovery can seem overwhelming. Review the guides below and reach out for help and support for yourself and your loved ones.
- Guide to Disaster Recovery, Caregivers and Parents: a guide with information on coping mechanisms and stress symptoms in children, with tips for caregivers and parents.
- Coping with Crisis: a guide on what to look for and expect during times of increased stress, and information on how to cope.
- Guidebook for Wellbeing in Recovery: a guide with information and practical tips and worksheets on how to support yourself and others following a disaster.
- Preparing for and Coping with the Effects of a Disaster or Emergency
If you experience reactions that make it difficult to function normally over a long period of time, seek help. One option is to contact your local health facility, or a local crisis support line. For immediate assistance anywhere in Canada, call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8.
National Support Resources
- Canadian Mental Health Association: For links to support and resources in your area.
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1- 855-242-3310
- Kids Help Phone - 24-hour bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, online counselling and referral service for children and youth.
- Bell Let's Talk - List of organizations with helpful resources.
How you can help support people impacted by the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires
People in Canada wishing to help are encouraged to make a donation to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.
Donate NowDonations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used to provide assistance to those impacted by the wildfires in British Columbia with immediate and ongoing relief, recovery, and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within British Columbia. Funds will also be used to support mobilization of response and community partners.
A generous anonymous donor will match every dollar
donated by Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal, up to a maximum of $350,000, starting from August 13, 2026.
People who would like to make a donation to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal can do so online, by calling 1-800-418-11 or by texting BCFIRES to 20222 to donate $10.