Resources for people impacted
Wellbeing resources
Make a donation
The Canadian Red Cross continues to work alongside the Government of British Columbia, local authorities, and Indigenous governing bodies on how we can best support individuals, families and communities impacted by the fires in British Columbia.
Resources for those impacted by the fires are available below.
FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross will never ask for your banking information, social insurance number or credit card number in order to register. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in-person and would never send a link through a text message to register. The Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.
Protect yourself from scams and fraud (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca).
Government of British Columbia support
For more information on support available from the Government of British Columbia, please consult the
EmergencyInfoBC website.
If you are under evacuation order due to wildfires in British Columbia, you are encouraged to register with
Emergency Support Services (ESS) and access information about supports on the website.
Resources for people impacted
- 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.
- Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist: Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.
Wellbeing and Coping with Crisis
Following an emergency or disaster, a person may experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing, and frightening. These experiences trigger responses that can include physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. There are many resources to help you, your family, and your community.
Learn more about
Coping with Crisis, including ways that you can care for yourself and your loved ones during an emergency. If you are concerned for the immediate safety of yourself or someone else, call a local crisis support line or 911 right away.
Additional resources are listed below and specialized crisis lines or services can also be
found here.
- Canadian Mental Health Association: For links to support and resources in your area.
- 310-Mental Health (310-6789 - no need to dial an area code):f or individuals who would like emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health in British Columbia. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is toll-free anywhere in British Columbia (no need to dial an area code).
- 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 to support those impacted by the fires
Those wishing to help people impacted by the fires are encouraged to make a financial donation to the 2023 British Columbia Fires in one of the following ways:
Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for immediate and ongoing relief, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the fires in British Columbia. Donations may also be used for preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within British Columbia.