Interior Health monitoring wildfire activity

With wildfires burning in different areas of the Interior Health (IH) region, our wildfire response focuses on acting early to protect seniors and other vulnerable residents before conditions deteriorate.

Fire activity can change situations quickly, and we are working with our partners including BC Wildfire Service, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Health Emergency Management BC and municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous communities focused on impacts to people and infrastructure. This process of managing patient safety and working with partners is activated when any area within the IH region is impacted by an emergency such as wildfire.

When wildfires occur, IH assesses locations of hospital and health-care sites and community clients in relation to the fire location, works with partners when evacuation alerts and orders are put in place, and communicates with patients, clients and families about our planning.

We will also post updates as needed on our Interior Health public website:

• Visit our Media Centre & Alerts page
• Sign up to receive the latest IH news, alerts and articles via email

We have published several blogs providing health and safety advice for people experiencing wildfire activity in and near their communities:

• What’s in your kit? Packing emergency kits or grab-and-go bags
• How to speak with kids about evacuations during wildfire season
• Accessing care if you're evacuated due to a wildfire
• Returning home after an evacuation
• Mental health & wellness during wildfire season

We also provide advice on protecting your health and the health of your loved ones when weather conditions are hot and smoky:

• Tips to protect yourself from poor air quality & wildfire smoke