Important Information for Visitors from the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) and forwarded by the BC Ocean Boating Tourism Association – AHOYBC.COM
On August 8, 2026 the Province of British Columbia declared a provincial state of emergency in response to the wildfire situation. The declaration provides those responding to the fires with the authorities, tools and resources required to protect communities and support the emergency response.
For TIABC, and for B.C.’s tourism industry as a whole, the priority is clear: public safety comes first. That means the safety of B.C. residents, visitors, emergency personnel and the people working within our tourism businesses and communities.
British Columbia is a very large and geographically diverse province. Wildfire activity affecting one community or region does not necessarily affect travel elsewhere in B.C.
The Province of B.C., at this time, has not issued a general travel ban for areas outside those communities and regions directly affected by wildfires, evacuation orders, road closures or other restrictions. Many tourism destinations and businesses throughout the province remain open and continue to welcome visitors.
Travellers should make decisions based on current information for the specific communities, routes and destinations they intend to visit rather than assuming conditions are the same throughout B.C.
Wildfires are unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. TIABC strongly advises tourism operators, residents and visitors to continue monitoring official government communication channels throughout the wildfire season. The resources provided below are updated regularly and should be relied upon for the most current information.
Evacuation and Wildfire Information
EmergencyInfoBC
For the latest information on evacuation alerts and orders in B.C.:
BC Wildfire Service
For wildfire information and current updates:
https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
To register for Emergency Support Services: https://ESS.gov.bc.ca/
EmergencyMapBC
For ESS reception centres and emergency cooling or warming centres:
Report a Wildfire
Call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 from a cellphone, or use the BC Wildfire Service app.
Fire Bans, Prohibitions and Restrictions
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions
Travel Planning and Visitor Information
DriveBC
For current road conditions, closures and delays:
AdventureSmart
For information about travelling and recreating in the backcountry:
Know Before You Travel in British Columbia
For travel planning information and current visitor resources:
Destination BC Emergency Resources
For tourism-specific emergency preparedness and communications resources:
Preparedness, Business and Community Resources
PreparedBC
For information on emergency preparedness, emergency kits and household emergency plans: https://PreparedBC.ca
Business and Community Disaster Recovery Resources
For guidance and tools to help businesses and communities prepare for and recover from disasters:
Destination BC Emergency Preparedness Toolkit
Premises Identification for Farmers
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/premises-id
FireSmart BC
For information on reducing wildfire risks around homes and properties:
Drought Information https://gov.bc.ca/Drought
BC Drought Information Portal https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/
Air Quality Warnings and Advisories https://aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca/
Mental Health Support for People Affected by Wildfires
https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/coping-with-disaster-stress/
Information in this update is current as of August 11, 2026. Directions issued by local governments, First Nations and emergency authorities always take precedence.
BCOBTA – AHOYBC.COM and the TIABC Team
WILDFIRES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA – EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES
A. Alertable App
One of the easiest ways to help visitors and your staff stay informed is to connect them with trusted sources of emergency information before they need it.
The Alertable app delivers location-based notifications for evacuations, road closures, wildfires, severe weather, and other public safety alerts. Consider including a link to the app in pre-arrival emails, guest information packages, visitor guides, and front desk materials so visitors can stay informed throughout their stay.
B. Put Visitor Safety First
During an emergency, tourism businesses play a vital role in helping visitors access timely, accurate information and make informed decisions. Think ahead about the questions your guests may ask and ensure staff know where to direct them for trusted updates. Keeping visitors informed about local conditions, transportation impacts, nearby visitor centres, and available services can help them feel supported, safe, and confident during uncertain situations.
