Media Information Update: British Columbia Wildfires 2026

In this issue: 

• Canadian Red Cross support
• N95 masks
• Donation updates
• Preparedness
• Recovery

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. We are also supporting people in Vernon and Penticton at reception centres, and the Okanagan Indian Band at a resiliency centre, as well as providing some virtual emergency support services.

In addition, the Red Cross is providing supplies including blankets, cots, pillows, hygiene kits, clean-up kits, and teddy bears. The Red Cross remains ready to mobilize additional assistance as requested by impacted communities and governments.

N95 masks

On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 masks, free of charge, to organizations located in communities that may be affected by wildfire smoke across Canada, including BC.

A list of where N95 masks may be available for individuals, while stocks last, is available online at redcross.ca/2026bcwildfires.

N95 respirators masks are effective at mitigating the impacts of wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses.

Canadian organizations can request to receive N95 respirator masks and medical masks, free of charge, by filling out the online form at www.redcross.ca/maskdistributionprogram.

Donations

As of August 20, 2026, the Canadian Red Cross has raised $5.1 million for the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.

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

• online at redcross.ca,
• by calling 1-800-418-1111,
• or by texting BC Fires to 20222 to donate $10.

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.

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

Recovery

The Canadian Red Cross recognizes that returning home after a wildfire can be difficult. Continue to follow directions from local authorities and take the necessary steps to stay safe.

• Make a plan to determine what you need to do first, in small steps. 
• Make sure you have permission to enter your home from your local authority.  
• Use caution when entering your home.
• Wear leather gloves and heavy-soled shoes to protect hands and feet. 
• Discard any food, cosmetics and toiletries that have been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot (including food in glass jars and metal cans). 

More information is available at Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery.

Additional Resources

Tips for avoiding donation scams
Coping with Crisis: expected reactions to abnormal events
Why misinformation is dangerous, especially during emergencies