August 8: Wildfire Situation Update for BC’s Tourism Industry
Situation Update
On August 8, 2026, the Province of British Columbia declared a State of Provincial Emergency in response to escalating wildfire activity and large-scale evacuations in parts of the province. The declaration provides emergency officials with additional tools and resources to support response efforts and protect communities.
While the Province is asking people to avoid non-essential travel to the Summerland area due to the large-scale evacuation operations and movement of residents and emergency responders, there are currently no provincial travel restrictions in place.
The safety of residents, visitors, and emergency responders is our highest priority. On behalf of the Destination BC team, our hearts are with everyone who has been impacted by the current wildfire situation.
Industry partners can support EFFORTS by:
- Proactively sharing responsible travel messaging and real-time updates through social media, websites, visitor communications, and other traveller touchpoints. Templates and shareable graphics are available here.
- Working closely with community and regional tourism partners, sector associations, Visitor Centres and BC’s Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) to share accurate and timely travel information. These established networks help ensure consistent information reaches tourism businesses, visitors, and residents before, during and after disruptions.
- Maintaining regular communication with BC’s Visitor Centre Network. Across the province, Visitor Centre teams provide both in-person and digital support to travellers, helping visitors navigate changing conditions, identify alternative destinations and experiences, assist with rebooking accommodations or activities, and provide local, real-time travel advice. That kind of support can make a significant difference in helping travellers continue their trip safely and confidently, even when plans need to shift unexpectedly.
- Ensuring your local Visitor Centre has your operating and key contact information so visitor services teams can help travellers make informed decisions and identify alternative options when needed.
- Supporting travellers whose plans may be affected by changing conditions by providing current information, assisting with rebooking accommodations, activities or transportation where possible, and directing visitors to official information sources.
Where capacity exists, consider how available accommodations may support evacuees and emergency response personnel. Accommodation providers interested in supporting provincial efforts can work through the BC Hotel Association, the BC Lodging and Campground Association, or contact the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport at [email protected].
Official Information Sources
Please direct visitors and staff to trusted, official sources for the latest information.
BC Wildfire Service
Current wildfire information and maps.
EmergencyInfoBC
Current evacuation orders, evacuation alerts, and emergency information.
DriveBC
Current road conditions, closures, and travel advisories.
Alertable App
Encourage visitors and staff to download the Alertable app to receive location-based notifications about evacuations, wildfires, road closures, severe weather, and other public safety alerts.
BC Tourism Emergency Management Committee Resources
Emergency Preparedness Resource Hub
- Emergency messaging guidance
- Emergency communications modules
- Business preparedness resources
Access the Emergency Preparedness Resource Hub
Responsible Travel Graphics
Download and share ready-to-use graphics to support visitor communications and responsible travel messaging.
Access responsible travel graphics
What Destination BC Is Doing
Destination BC is actively supporting tourism sector coordination and information sharing by:
- Fulfilling its role within the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) and Tourism Emergency Response Team (TERT). The Tourism Emergency Management Committee brings together provincial, regional, and industry partners to coordinate tourism-sector communications, share situational awareness, and support a consistent, informed response during emergencies affecting tourism.
- Working with government, destination management organizations, and industry partners to support the timely sharing of accurate information across the tourism sector.
- Liaising with travel trade, media partners, and in-market teams to help ensure visitors and trade partners receive current information and can adjust plans as required.
- Working closely with the Visitor Services Network to support travellers, track emerging visitor questions, and identify information needs.
British Columbia’s tourism sector has a long history of supporting communities during challenging times, and that work continues today. Thank you for everything you are doing to support your communities, visitors, evacuees, and emergency responders. By working together and responding quickly to changing conditions, the tourism industry continues to play an important role in helping communities remain resilient and recover from emergencies.
Destination BC Resources
Emergency Preparedness Resource Hub
