VICTORIA, BC, May 7, 2026 /CNW/ - Rising temperatures and prohibitions on open burning across British Columbia are prompting residents to act now, before significant wildfire activity begins. The provincial spring campaign, See Through FireSmart Eyes, highlights that becoming FireSmart is an essential step in protecting properties and communities – and there's no better time to start.

The campaign demonstrates that wildfire risk isn't always obvious until you learn how to recognize it. Once you see things through FireSmart eyes, wildfire risks are clear. Simple, everyday tasks, like clearing your gutters, moving combustible materials a safe distance from your home, and choosing wildfire-resistant vegetation, can significantly increase the resilience of your home, neighbourhood, and community.

Click here (firesmartbc.ca/prepare) to watch the campaign video.

"Wildfire seasons have become more intense, more frequent, and are reaching into the lives of people and communities throughout B.C. that have never experienced them before," said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. "While BC Wildfire Service does incredible work preparing for and responding to wildfire, there is still work to be done in communities. Throughout British Columbia, all of us have a role we must play in managing wildfire – this means staying informed, remaining prepared, and being FireSmart."

"In addition to completing FireSmart tasks, it's important to ensure you and your family are prepared for a wildfire emergency," said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. "Creating a household emergency plan, checking that your insurance is up to date, and having a grab-and-go kit can help you be ready should a wildfire threaten your community. Resources and information to help your family prepare for emergencies are available at PreparedBC.ca."

"This year's Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit reinforced the importance of collaboration in wildfire management," said Rachel Woodhurst, FireSmart BC Program Lead. "We've seen how empowering it can be when neighbours work together and take collective action. It goes a long way to protecting homes, neighbourhoods and communities, no matter where you are in our province."

Driven by climate change and multi-year droughts, wildfires in British Columbia are increasing in frequency, size, and severity. Four of the five most destructive wildfire seasons in our province's recent history have occurred since 2017. During that period, more than 8.4 million hectares have burned, affecting communities, ecosystems, and air quality. As of May 6, there are 27 active wildfires burning across the province.

The FireSmart BC website offers a wide range of helpful resources to support wildfire preparedness. These include the FireSmart Begins with You Guide, the interactive FireSmart Landscaping Hub which features an extensive list of fire-resistant plants and practical tips for creating a FireSmart landscape, and a last-minute wildfire preparedness checklist to help residents take quick, effective action to protect their home and property if a wildfire is approaching.

Get prepared now at firesmartbc.ca/prepare

About FireSmart BC

FireSmart BC helps build wildfire resiliency and reduce the negative impacts of fire for everyone in the province. The BC FireSmart Committee was initiated by the BC Wildfire Service in May 2017 to provide direction for wildfire prevention activities. Members of the committee include the BC Wildfire Service, FireSmart Canada, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the Fire Chiefs' Association of B.C., Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., the First Nations' Emergency Services Society of B.C. (FNESS), Indigenous Services Canada, the Ministry of Forests - Regional Operations, Parks Canada, BC Parks, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

SOURCE FireSmart BC