The Province says it’s ramping up preparations for the 2026 wildfire season, with a focus on protecting people and communities across B.C.

“The threat of wildfire continues to grow and evolve, but so too does the BC Wildfire Service,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.

“We’re making the investments needed to ensure BCWS is ready for whatever may come this wildfire season, through year-round positions, expanded technology and a new equipment depot in Prince George, all to keep people and communities safe throughout British Columbia.”

The BC Wildfire Service says it has boosted training, expanded technology and added new equipment as wildfire risks continue to grow.

Recruitment efforts have also increased, with a record number of about 2,400 applications received for seasonal firefighter positions.

The service now has more than 600 year-round positions to improve readiness heading into fire season.

Training has also been expanded, with more than 1,700 fire departments, First Nations and contractors receiving specialized instruction for wildland urban interface situations.

The province says those efforts are aimed at improving response in areas where communities and wildlands meet, allowing for better structure protection during active fires.

Additional support will also come from more than 700 contract firefighters already lined up to assist during periods of high wildfire activity.

In the air, the BC Wildfire Service will continue to rely on a fleet that includes 28 fixed-wing aircraft across more than 14 bases, along with helicopters brought in as needed.

Long-term contracts are already in place for several helicopters and specialized aircraft used for firefighting and crew deployment.

The service is also continuing to expand its use of night-vision capable helicopters, which completed 260 missions last year and are expected to play a key role again this season.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.