Update – wildfire evacuation order

A wildfire has prompted evacuation orders for XXX properties in [COMMUNITY/AREA], including several poultry farms. Evacuation alerts have been issued for additional nearby properties. Farmers in affected areas should follow all instructions from local authorities and be prepared to leave immediately if ordered.

View the current local emergency map, BC Wildfire Dashboard, EmergencyInfoBC, and local authority notices for more information about areas under evacuation order or alert.

Conditions may change quickly because of fire behaviour, wind, smoke, road closures, power outages, and limited access for emergency responders. If you are in an evacuation order area, leave immediately using the route directed by emergency officials. Do not return until the order has been lifted.

A reception centre has been established at [LOCATION] to provide support for evacuated residents. Evacuated residents should register with Emergency Support Services online or at the reception centre as directed by local authorities.

Poultry EOC supporting farmers

The Poultry Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in contact with poultry farmers in the affected area to offer support and is coordinating with local and provincial authorities. The EOC is advising farmers under evacuation order to leave immediately and prioritize the safety of themselves, their families, employees, and workers living on farm property. Where safe and permitted, the EOC will help coordinate information about access, animal care needs, and sector support.

Wildfire preparedness and resources

Farmers in this region – or any region that may experience wildfire – are encouraged to prepare.

A farm wildfire plan can help poultry operations prepare before an emergency. FireSmart BC’s Farm and Ranch Wildfire Preparedness page includes farm-specific guidance, wildfire planning information, open burning considerations, and the Farm and Ranch Wildfire Preparedness Guide and Workbook. FireSmart BC also offers free farm and ranch assessments to help farmers identify practical steps to reduce wildfire risk around key structures.

FireSmart practices focus on structures and the 30 metres surrounding buildings, with particular attention to the first 1.5 metres around buildings, where embers can ignite debris and combustible materials. Simple FireSmart steps can reduce risk around barns and other farm structures:

  • Remove dry leaves, needles, and debris from around buildings.
  • Move wood piles, pallets, equipment, dry vegetation, and other combustibles away from barns, fuel tanks, generators, propane tanks, and electrical rooms.

FireSmart BC notes that many structures damaged by wildfire ignite because of embers rather than direct flame. Reducing combustible material near barns, vents, roofs, gutters, and other openings can make structures easier and safer for responders to protect.

Farmers should also ensure their farm information is current in the BC Premises Identification Program. Registering poultry, livestock, and bees helps responders identify affected premises and support animal owners during emergencies such as wildfire, flood, or animal disease events.

Wildfire evacuation checklist

Poultry farmers being evacuated, or at risk of being evacuated, are advised to follow several steps to prepare, including:

  • Put people first. Ensure all family members, employees, and workers living on farm property understand the evacuation plan, where to go, and how they will get there;

  • Leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued. Do not delay departure to complete farm tasks;

  • If you are on evacuation alert, prepare to leave quickly. Move vehicles to face outward, keep fuel tanks full, gather documents, medications, valuables, and essential supplies, and confirm transportation for workers;

  • Monitor official sources, including:

    • Local authority notices – evacuation orders, alerts, reception centres, and local emergency instructions;
    • EmergencyInfoBC – verified provincial emergency updates and instructions;
    • BC Wildfire Dashboard – current wildfire locations, evacuations, fire bans, smoke, and road events;
    • BC Wildfire Service – fire status, fire danger, bans, restrictions, and wildfire response information; and
    • DriveBC – highway closures, travel advisories, and road conditions;

  • If available in your area, sign up for local emergency notifications through your regional district, municipality, or Indigenous government;

  • Prepare barns for unattended operation only if safe and time allows:
  • 1
    Move combustible materials such as pallets, empty totes, cardboard, dry vegetation, and unused equipment away from barns, fuel tanks, propane tanks, generators, and electrical rooms;
  • 2
    Apply FireSmart principles closest to barns first, especially the first 1.5 metres around structures, and the broader 30-metre area around critical buildings;
  • 3
    Move tractors, loaders, trailers, and mobile equipment away from buildings and, where possible, to a safe open area with clear access;
  • 4
    Confirm feed, water, ventilation, cooling, and alarm systems are stable;
  • 5
    Check generator auto-start, fuel supply, oil level, and transfer switch operation;
  • 6
    Set ventilation for safe unattended operation, recognizing that smoke, ash, heat, and power interruptions may affect barn conditions;
  • 7
    Close and latch exterior doors, hatches, and access points as appropriate, while maintaining required ventilation;
  • 8

    Protect medications, vaccines, records, and small equipment from heat, smoke, ash, and power loss where practical; and

  • 9

    Photograph barn settings, generator settings, fuel levels, flock information, and electrical panels for faster restart and recovery later;

  • Do not attempt to move birds unless directed through an approved plan. Large-scale poultry movement during a wildfire is complex and may not be safe or practical;

  • Open gates or clearly mark access for emergency responders where appropriate, while keeping biosecurity and site security in mind;

  • Leave a visible notice at the driveway indicating the site has been evacuated, with a contact number and any urgent animal care information;

  • Notify your commodity association of your evacuation status, farm location, flock numbers, bird age, immediate animal care concerns, and best contact information;

  • Confirm your BC Premises Identification information is current so emergency responders can identify affected poultry premises and contact the right people; and

  • Follow official evacuation routes. Avoid smoke, fire activity, downed powerlines, and roads closed by emergency officials.

If you are on evacuation alert, use the time to prepare. If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. The safety of people comes first.

Travel advisory

Roads may close without notice because of wildfire, smoke, emergency equipment, falling trees, debris, or downed powerlines. Follow directions from emergency officials and check official local updates before travelling.

For current wildfire information, evacuation notices, road conditions, and emergency instructions, follow official updates from your local authority or Indigenous government, EmergencyInfoBC, BC Wildfire Dashboard, BC Wildfire Service, and DriveBC.