Facing Wildfire in BC and Alberta: What to Expect After a Wildfire in Western Canada

Wildfires are no longer rare events in British Columbia and Alberta—they are becoming part of life during the hotter, drier summer months. In recent years, massive fires have swept through entire communities, forcing thousands to evacuate, damaging homes, and stretching emergency response systems.

In 2023, the McDougall Creek Fire near West Kelowna destroyed or damaged hundreds of structures, displacing over 10,000 residents. The 2021 Lytton fire wiped out nearly the entire village within minutes. In Alberta, wildfires near Drayton Valley and Fox Lake in 2023 forced widespread evacuations and caused long-term infrastructure disruption.

These aren’t isolated events. They are reminders of how quickly things can change—and how important it is to be informed, prepared, and supported.

©CBC News: The National – Wildfire evacuees scramble to find somewhere to stay

If your region is at risk, acting early and knowing the process can make all the difference. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Evacuation Alerts and Orders

When a wildfire threatens your area, you may first receive an Evacuation Alert, which means you should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. If the fire intensifies, an Evacuation Order will follow — this means leave immediately for your safety.

Sign up for emergency alerts:

• BC: EmergencyInfoBC
• AB: Alberta Emergency Alert

…here’s how to prepare ahead of time:

Create a Go-Bag (Grab-and-Go Kit)

• Government-issued ID (for all family members)
• Prescription medications
• Cash and bank cards
• Insurance documents, property titles, and important records (physical or on USB)
• Basic toiletries and hygiene items
• Phone charger and power bank
• Bottled water and snacks
• Flashlight and batteries
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes

Prepare for Pets

• Pet food and bowls
• Leash, crate, and litter
• Vet records or vaccination proof
• ID tag or microchip info

Prepare Your Property (if time allows)

• Shut all windows and doors
• Turn off gas and propane tanks
• Move flammable outdoor items away from the house (wood piles, furniture)
• Leave lights on inside and outside for visibility in smoky conditions

Prep Your Vehicle

• Keep gas tank at least half full during fire season
• Place go-bags in the trunk or near the door
• Know at least two routes out of your area

Make a Family Emergency Plan

• Choose a safe meeting location outside the danger zone
• Share evacuation plans with friends or relatives
• Ensure kids know how to contact family if separated

Know the Local Risks

Wildfire risk zones vary by region. If you’re near forests, hillsides, or grasslands, stay alert during dry seasons, especially if winds are strong and humidity is low.

2. Temporary Accommodation

When an evacuation order is issued due to wildfire, finding a safe place to stay becomes the top priority. Whether you’re away for a few days or several weeks, support is available.

Evacuees should register with their local reception centre or online portals:

• BC: Access Emergency Support Services (ESS)
• AB: Active emergency updates

*Even if you don’t need housing help, registering is vital for accessing financial support, reunifying with family, and staying informed.

Types of Temporary Accommodation

Depending on the situation and availability, you may be placed in:

• Hotels or motels (most common)
• Emergency shelters
• Campgrounds or community halls
• With friends or family (still register for support!)

What Emergency Services Provide

If eligible, Emergency Support Services (BC) or the Alberta Emergency Management Agency can cover:

• Lodging costs
• Grocery vouchers or meal services
• Clothing replacements
• Transportation assistance

*Support typically covers 72 hours initially, with extensions possible depending on the scale of the disaster and your personal circumstances.

Tips for Staying Comfortable in Temporary Housing

• Keep essentials (like medications, documents, and chargers) in your go-bag
• Bring familiar items for children or pets to reduce stress
• Ask about check-in/check-out times and rules if placed in a hotel
• Stay in contact with emergency workers in case your needs change

Community Help

Local volunteers, non-profits, and faith groups often step in to provide food, clothing, child care, or transportation. Don’t hesitate to ask for help — wildfire recovery is a community effort.

3. Returning Home

Once you and your loved ones are safe, it’s time to begin the first steps toward recovery. That usually starts with documenting your situation and contacting your insurance provider.

Step 1: Document the Damage (If Safe)

If you’re allowed to return briefly or have photos from before evacuation:

• Take photos or video of the interior and exterior of your home
• Note damaged structures, contents, and surrounding property
• Make a written list of major losses

If access is restricted, your insurance provider may arrange an inspection later — don’t risk your safety trying to document early.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider

Call or go online to start your claim. Most home insurance policies in Canada cover wildfire-related loss, including:

• Damage to structures (home, garage, fences)
• Replacement of personal belongings
• Temporary living expenses (hotel, meals)

Keep a record of your communications and claim number. Ask about coverage limits, timelines, and what documentation is required.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

To speed up support from emergency programs and insurance, prepare:

• Photo ID (for all household members)
• Proof of residence (utility bill, driver’s license)
• Policy number (insurance)
• Receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses (lodging, food, clothing)
• List of lost items (if possible, include estimated values)

Government Support and Claims

In addition to insurance:

• BC: Apply for financial assistance via Emergency Management BC
• Alberta: See wildfire-specific support at alberta.ca/emergency.aspx

Some programs offer direct funding or cost reimbursements — especially if you’re underinsured or waiting for an insurance decision.

Tip: Keep All Records in One Place

A simple folder (physical or digital) with claim forms, receipts, contact info, and photos will make the process smoother and less stressful.

4. Document Submission & Insurance

Contact your home insurance provider as soon as possible. Take photos of damage before cleaning.

You may need to submit:

• Proof of ownership
• Itemized lists of lost belongings
• Temporary accommodation receipts

*Government disaster financial assistance may also be available for uninsured damages.

Recovering after a wildfire is a long road, but you don’t have to walk it alone. After the flames are gone, the focus shifts to cleaning up, assessing your options, and rebuilding — physically and emotionally.

Step 1: Safe Return and Cleanup

Once authorities declare your area safe to re-enter:

• Wear gloves and masks — ash, soot, and debris can be hazardous
• Ventilate the space by opening windows
• Discard food, water, and medicine exposed to smoke or heat
• Photograph any new damage before beginning cleanup

Cleanup kits and safety guidance may be available from local authorities or Red Cross volunteers on site.

Step 2: Mental and Emotional Health

Experiencing a wildfire can be traumatic. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, angry, or numb.

• Talk to friends and family
• Reach out to support groups or crisis lines (e.g., 310-6789 in BC or Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 in AB)
• Encourage children to share their feelings in safe, calm environments

Step 3: Planning to Rebuild

Depending on the extent of damage:

• Consult your insurance adjuster before making permanent repairs
• Hire licensed contractors familiar with post-fire construction
• Consider future-proofing your home with fire-resistant materials and defensible space (clearing brush, spacing trees)

*Local governments may expedite permits for wildfire rebuilding — ask your municipal office or check online for emergency rebuilding guidelines.

Financial Aid and Community Help

• Federal and provincial relief funds may offer grants or loans to help rebuild
• Local non-profits often organize donation drives, tool sharing, and labour assistance
• Keep checking updates from your municipality, province, and trusted community boards

Wildfires have become a growing reality across BC and Alberta, devastating communities, displacing thousands, and testing the strength of our emergency response systems. Each event leaves behind important lessons — not just in how to react, but how to prepare and rebuild more wisely.

2023 McDougall Creek Fire (West Kelowna, BC)

• Destroyed or damaged nearly 200 structures
• Over 10,000 people were evacuated at peak
• Highlighted how fast fires can move in residential areas
• Lesson: Urban interface zones (where homes meet wildland) need better firebreaks and emergency access routes.

2023 Yellowhead County Fires (Alberta)

• Two massive fires forced evacuation of multiple towns including Evansburg and Wildwood
• Significant impact on ranchers and rural homeowners
• Lesson: Rural residents need clearer evacuation plans and faster communication, especially in areas with poor cell coverage.

2021 White Rock Lake Fire (BC Interior)

• One of the most destructive in BC history
• Burned over 800 square kilometres, destroying homes in Monte Lake and surrounding areas
• Lesson: Fire-resistant building materials and defensible landscaping are crucial when rebuilding.

What We’ve Learned as a Province — and as Neighbours

• Preparedness saves lives: Knowing evacuation routes and having a go-bag ready makes all the difference.
• Community matters: Neighbours helping neighbours — with housing, supplies, or a place to talk — is what recovery is made of.
• We must build smarter: Fire-resistant materials, smart site planning, and defensible space around properties can reduce future risk.

Wildfires aren’t just a seasonal threat anymore — they’re part of the new reality in Western Canada. That means recovery can’t stop at rebuilding what was lost. We need to build smarter, safer, and more resilient communities.

Smarter Design Starts at Home

• Modern construction practices offer ways to reduce risk before the next wildfire season:
• Fire-resistant materials: Non-combustible siding, metal roofing, tempered glass
• Defensible space: 10+ metres of cleared land around the home can slow a fire’s advance
• Proper drainage & grading: Helps protect structures from erosion and post-fire floods

At Tiger Ring Construction, we apply these principles in everything we build — not just because it’s code, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Rebuilding with Long-Term Resilience

When it’s time to rebuild:

• We work with engineers and insurers to assess damage accurately
• We help homeowners reimagine homes that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable
• We emphasize safety without sacrificing design — beauty and protection go hand in hand

You’re Not Alone in the Process

Our team understands the emotional and logistical challenges of starting over. Whether you’re returning to your home or starting from scratch, our goal is to guide you with honesty, care, and expert craftsmanship.

Facing a wildfire is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through — from sudden evacuation and temporary displacement to the long, emotional road of cleanup and rebuilding.

At Tiger Ring Construction, we know that rebuilding isn’t just about putting walls back up — it’s about restoring comfort, safety, and a sense of home. We’re here to support homeowners across BC and Alberta with:

• Smart, fire-conscious building practices
• Honest advice and professional craftsmanship
• A steady hand through the recovery and reconstruction process

We can’t stop wildfires. But we can help rebuild stronger, safer homes — and communities that are better prepared for the future.

If you’ve been impacted by wildfire, know that you’re not alone. When you’re ready to take the next step, Tiger Ring Construction is ready to walk it with you.