Media Information Update: British Columbia Wildfires 2026

In this issue:

• Canadian Red Cross support
• Donation updates

Assistance Provided  

The Canadian Red Cross works alongside federal, provincial, or municipal levels of government and Indigenous leadership to understand the needs of families, individuals, and communities impacted by disasters or emergencies. Red Cross support is provided upon request by the authorities leading the response.

The Canadian Red Cross is one of several organizations providing support to those impacted by the wildfires in British Columbia. We fulfill the mandate asked of us by authorities and work to fill gaps where supports may not be available. The Red Cross is a neutral and impartial organization whose assistance is available to anyone who has been evacuated by the wildfires.

At the request of the Province of British Columbia and Regional Districts, the Red Cross is ready to receive evacuees at group lodging in Kamloops and Penticton and are on standby in Prince George. We are also supporting people in Vernon and Penticton at the reception centres, as well as providing some virtual emergency support services.

In addition, 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.

Donations

As of August 14, 2026, the Canadian Red Cross has raised $ 3.9 million for the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.

Those wishing to help people impacted by the 2026 British Columbia wildfires are encouraged to make a donation to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal. Financial donations to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal can be made:

• online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111

Donations 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.

Preparedness

The Red Cross urges people to follow directions from their local authorities and to take the necessary steps to stay safe.

• Families living in areas on evacuation alerts should be ready to leave their homes at a moment’s notice.
• The Red Cross recommends people set aside an emergency kit with items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio to self-sustain their household for at least three days.

Additional resources on what to do before, during, and after a wildfire can be found at: Wildfires: Before, During and After.

Additional Resources

Coping with Crisis: expected reactions to abnormal events
Why misinformation is dangerous, especially during emergencies