Items in an emergency kit (Image Credit: ID 148847776 © Roger Brown | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

Emergency Preparedness

Province preparing for flood, wildfire seasons

Apr 16, 2026 | 2:35 PM

The B.C. Government is preparing for natural disasters heading into the spring and summer.

The province warned in a release Thursday, April 16, that the warming weather raises the risk of climate-related emergencies, including spring flooding, drought and wildfires.

“Our government is continuing to strengthen mitigation and emergency response supports for people and communities, but preparedness starts at home,” Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, said in the release.

“Taking small steps now, like making a household emergency plan, having a grab-and-go kit ready and knowing where to get emergency information, can make a real difference when it matters the most.”

The province warns that sustained heat and dryness can lead to drought, wildfire and water scarcity, but was preparing for these events.

Emergency Preparedness

Province preparing for flood, wildfire seasons

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For water scarcity, the province said it was monitoring watershed risks and working with partners to create informed and practical solutions, such as boosting water storage for farmers.

For wildfires, the province said it was bolstering the B.C. Wildfire Service. That included more recruitment efforts this year, expanding the First Nations bootcamps program, providing specialized training for wildland-urban interface operations, and investing $14-million into on-to-ground equipment such as new trucks and camp infrastructure.

“Through year-round positions, expanded technology and investments in new equipment, the BC Wildfire Service is ready for whatever may come this wildfire season,” Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, said.

“I encourage everyone in B.C. to participate in FireSmart activities around their homes and communities, to be prepared by having a grab-and-go bag and to always be up to date on the current wildfire situation by downloading the BC Wildfire app.”

As of April 1 the provincial snowpack was at 92 per cent of normal, well above the 79 per cent recorded at the same point in 2025, raising concerns about flooding events when spring run-off combines with heavy or sustained rainfall.

The province encouraged people living in low lying-areas to clear drains and gutters, move equipment to higher ground and remain alert for sudden changes in weather.

The risk of spring flooding in the Okanagan however was not predicted to be high, as the regional snowpack was recorded at 58 per cent of normal on April 1.

People looking to prepare for any emergency were encouraged to build an emergency kit containing essential supplies, as well as grab-and-go bags for each household member. Those who already have those kits packed were also encouraged to go through them and replace any expired items, such as food and medicine.

More information on putting together these kits and making plans for emergency events can be found at the PreparedBC website.

by Liam Verster

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