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.

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.

At the request of the Okanagan Indian Band and the District of Summerland, our team members are on site at the Community Resiliency Centre in Vernon and Recovery Centre in Summerland to assist individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in their recovery.
 
Our Case Management teams can provide information and help navigating your next steps in recovery. They can also provide advice on topics including:

• Understanding available information to help you make decisions and plan your next steps
• Understanding insurance 
• Understanding community resources and services

Get information about navigating recovery

Locations and hours of operation:

Okanagan Indian Band

• Address: Okanagan Indian Band Community Resiliency Centre: Schubert Centre, Emerald Room located at 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon 
• Hours of operation: 8:00 am to 4:00pm.
• Open Monday to Friday

District of Summerland

• Address: Summerland Recovery Centre: George Ryga Arts and Cultural Centre, 9525 Wharton St. (2nd Floor), Summerland.    
• Hours of operation: 8: 00 am to 6:00pm.
• Open 7 days a week.

Those impacted can also reach out to our teams by emailing us at BCRecoverySupport@redcross.ca for information. Emails will be returned within two business days.

Emergency grants

We are offering emergency grants to help community organizations increase and adapt how they can support the urgent needs of those impacted by the wildfires. We are working directly with not-for-profits, charities and communities who may be eligible.

For more information or if you have any questions, please email crcgrants@redcross.ca.

Grants for community gatherings

Grants for community gatherings are available to First Nations, municipalities and regional districts to support events and short-term initiatives that bring people together in recovery and support connections to community, land, and culture.

Examples of events eligible for funding include:

• Community dinners and recognition events
• Community consultations
• On-the-land activities, such as community gardens or food security initiatives, and trapping or harvesting skills-building
• Social and cultural activities such as traditional cooking, beading, fine arts, or ceremonies

For more information or if you have any questions, please email crcgrants@redcross.ca.

On behalf of the Province of British Columbia, the Canadian Red Cross is compiling information about available resources, equipment, accommodations, transportation, supplies, and services to help support wildfire response and recovery efforts across British Columbia.

For more information, visit the Province of British Columbia’s website at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/ evacuation-recovery/emergency-recovery/wildfire-donations

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

Abbotsford

MP Sukhman Gill Office
Address: 205-2825 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6S3 
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, closed for lunch 12:00-1:00pm, Front Desk

Ashcroft

Community Futures Sun Country
Address: 203 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday. Box available at the front office; visitors can ask staff or pick up as needed.

Gold Trail School District (SD74)
Address: 400 Hollis Road, Ashcroft, BC VK0 1A0
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday, at front desk

Village of Ashcroft  
Address: 601 Bancroft Street, Ashcroft BC VK0 1K0  
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday – Friday, at front desk 

Cache Creek

Village of Cache Creek
Address: 1389 Quartz Road Cache Creek, BC VK0 1H0
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Chase

Village of Chase Municipality
Address: 826 Okanagan Avenue, Chase, BC V0E 1M0
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday at the front desk.

Neskonlith Indian Band
Address: 705 Chief Neskonlith Drive, Chase, BC V0E 1M0

Kamloops

Heffley Creek Community Recreation Association
Address: 6995 Old Hwy 5 Kamloops, British Columbia V2H 0B5
Hours: Tuesdays 11:00am-2:00pm, Main Doors, Wednesday 1:00pm-3:00pm. Side Door.

Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Area Association
Address: 202-246 Second Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A1
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.

Kamloops North Shore BIA
Address: 115 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC V2B 3H5
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday.

The Salvation Army
Address: 344 Poplar Street N, Kamloops, BC V2B 4B8
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm.

Western Canada Theatre Company Society
Address: Pavilion Theatre, 1025 Lorne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6K5
Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm Monday-Friday, at the Box Office.

The Kamloops and District Society for People in Motion
Address: 193 Royal Avenue East, Kamloops, BC V2B 8J6
Hours: 9:00am-3:30pm Monday-Thursday, closed from 12:30pm-1:00pm for lunch. Masks are available at the front desk.

Xa'xtsa (Douglas) First Nation
Address: 321 IR-10 Road Mt Currie, BC V0N 2L0
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday , at front desk

Kelowna

Central Okanagan Emergency Management
Address: 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna BC V1Z 3Z4
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus
Address: 1138 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7
Masks are available at the Campus Security Dispatch Office.

Westbank First Nation Health and Wellness Center
Address: 1900 Quail Lane, Westbank, British Columbia V4T 2H3
Hours: Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, front desk

ARC Programs
Address: 120 1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1V7 
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday at the front desk.

Lake Country

Lake Country Health Planning Society
Address: 10080 Main Street N, Lake Country, BC V4V 1T8
Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday, front desk.

Logan Lake 

District of Logan Lake  
Address: 120 Chartrand Place British Columbia V0K 1W0  
Hours:  8:00am-4:00pm, Monday- Friday, at front desk

Merritt

Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society
Address: 1999 Garcia Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday, front desk.

Nicola Valley Food Bank Society
Address: 2026 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
Hours: 9:00am-12:00pm Tuesday to Thursday, front desk.

Nelson

Nelson Public Library
Address: 602 Stanley Street, Nelson, BC V1L 1N4
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm, front counter.

The City of Nelson
Address: 310 Ward Street, Nelson, BC V1L 1T5
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, front desk on first floor.

Peachland

District of Peachland
Address: 4450 6th Street, Peachland, BC V0H 1X6
Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday, front desk.

Penticton

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
Address: 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5J6
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Richmond

Parm Bains Constituency Office
Address: Unit 230, 11331 Coppersmith Way, Richmond, BC V7A 5J9
Hours: 10:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday. Located on the second level.

Salmon Arm

Canadian Mental Health Association Shuswap Revelstoke
Address: 433 Hudson Avenue NE Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S1
Hours: Hudson Thrift Shoppe, Monday - Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm

Shuswap Cardiac Society
Address: 200-380 Alexander Street NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4H7
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 12:00pm-5:00pm; Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am-1:00pm. Ask for masks at the front desk.

Summerland

District of Summerland
Address: 13211 Henry Avenue, Summerland BC V0H 1Z0
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm 

West Vancouver

District of West Vancouver
Address: Seniors' Activity Centre, 695 21st St, West Vancouver, BC V7V 4A7
Location: Seniors' Activity Centre.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:30am-4:00pm, front desk. Masks are on the outreach table inside the main entrance.

Williams Lake

Cariboo Friendship Society
Address: 99 3rd Avenue S, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1J1
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, front desk.

Cariboo Regional District Library  
Address: Suite A,180 Third Avenue North, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2A4  
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10:00am-8:00pm and Friday and Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, ask for masks at front desk  

Gavin Lake Forest Education Society
Address: 3720 Gavin Lake Road, ask for Mike or Johanna for masks

Salvation Army  
Address: 272 Borland Street Williams Lake British Columbia V2G 1R3  
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am-4:00pm, through main doors, downstairs at drop-in center  

Vernon  

House of Commons
Address: 1-3101 29th St Vernon, British Columbia V1T 5A8  
Hours: Unit #1, Monday to Friday 9:00am-4:00pm, phone first for appointment. (250) 220-0320

North Okanagan Friendship Center Society
Address: 2904 29 Ave, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 1Y7
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm, front desk

Vernon and District Metis Association 
Address: 2908 30th Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia V1T 2B7  
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30am -4:30pm Subject to Change, at front desk
 

Victoria

March of Dimes Canada
Address: Suite 101 -2826 Bryn Maur Rd. Langford, British Columbia.  V9B 3T4
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm

Insurance for renters

• Understanding Renters Insurance: A factsheet for those who have renters' insurance or tenant insurance and details about what your policy may cover.
• Common Policy Concerns for Renters: A factsheet about common concerns for tenants who have opened an insurance claim. 

Insurance for homeowners

• Understanding Homeowners Insurance: A factsheet for those who have homeowners insurance and details about what your policy may cover.
• Submitting an insurance claim as a homeowner: If you have been impacted by an event, and have insurance coverage, this fact sheet will provide you with some helpful tips on the insurance claims process.
• Common policy concerns for homeowners: A factsheet about common concerns for homeowners who have opened an insurance claim.

Insurance for not-for-profits

• Understanding Not-for-Profit Insurance: A fact sheet for those who have not-for-profit insurance and details about what your policy may cover.

Insurance for small businesses

• Understanding Small Business Insurance: A fact sheet for those who have not-for-profit insurance and details about what your policy may cover.

After wildfires

• 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.

People in Canada wishing to help are encouraged to make a donation to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.

Donate Now

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. 

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.

The Government of Canada will match eligible donations made by Canadians and corporations to the 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal. The donation matching period will be open until September 5, 2026, and is retroactive to when the appeal first opened on August 4, 2026. Every $1 donated will become $2 to support wildfires disaster relief and recovery efforts in British Columbia.