Safety Information

Please remember the fire zone remains extremely hazardous, including:

• Ash pits – holes in the ground filled with ash that may contain hot embers or present high risk trip hazards
• Danger trees – burned trees and roots that may fall without warning.
• Air quality –  hazardous ash or smoke particles

Do not enter burned structures, burned forest or areas with fencing or barricades indicating hazards until assessed by a professional.

Anticipate dramatic differences in familiar landscapes and neighbourhoods, including:

• Blackened and burnt trees, shrubs and landscapes
• Smell of smoke
• Areas covered in ash
• Familiar landmarks missing
• Spoiled food in fridges and freezers

The Province has a helpful guide for residents whose properties have been impacted by wildfire. This will help you learn how to deal with any potential contaminants. BC Guidance for Owners of Property Impacted By Wildfire Contaminants (PDF)

Post-Wildfire Natural Hazards

Following a wildfire, certain areas with moderate to steep slopes may be at greater risk of exposure to other hazards such as landslides and flooding events. When the fires have subsided, government agencies will be undertaking a program of post- wildfire natural hazard risk analysis in areas deemed to be at risk. Results will be provided to Local Government for dissemination to affected residents.

Learn more: climatereadybc.gov.bc.ca, or https://pwnhr-bcgov03.hub.arcgis.com.

• Check for hazards before entering your house.
• With danger hazards still present, watch out for children or pets getting to close to fire impacted areas.
• Do not try to use any electrical appliances or power in your home or garage that may have come into contact with fire, water or fire retardant until they have been cleared for use by a qualified electrician.
• Do a thorough visual inspection (including roofs and floors) of your property. The foundation and any brick or cement fireplace chimney may have been damaged by heat during the fire.
• Check for electrical hazards such as exposed wires. Avoid contact with damaged or fallen power lines and poles. If there are any hazards, contact your provider:
• BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376)
• FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847

• Beware of dust, ash, broken glass, and other sharp objects.
• If you have a propane tank system, contact your service provider to do an inspection.
• Visually check the stability of trees around your property. Look for burn damage on the tree trunk or for visible damage of burnt tree roots. Any trees that have been damaged by fire may soon become a hazard. They may need to be cut down and removed. Check with your insurance if you believe danger trees are on your property.