B-C Hydro is putting out a list of proactive tips ahead of the upcoming wildfire season, urging customers to be as prepared as possible for an emergency.

The utility says it is taking preventive measures to avoid fire damage, such as regular equipment inspections and the application of fire retardant to wooden power poles.

Susie Rieder is a BC Hydro Spokesperson. “Meteorologists are predicting warmer than average temperatures in the coming months, especially over the summer. So we are taking proactive steps to address wildfire risk, and we’re also encouraging our customers to get prepared.”

“The severity, timing and duration of wildfire seasons, it’s obviously difficult to predict. So we are actively preparing, and we do prepare year round. We collaborate with other agencies to monitor and manage forest fire risks. Our crews undergo continuous training to ensure really fast activation of wildfire response, and we also maintain a robust inventory of essential materials, such as wires and power poles, across the province for quick deployment in affected areas. Another thing that we do, and that we’ve ramped up in recent years, is vegetation management so on and near electrical rights way just assessing and managing vegetation and trees just to reduce the risk of outages caused by falling trees and branches.”

The 2024 wildfire season caused significant damage to B-C Hydro’s infrastructure, resulting in approximately 15-million dollars in response and repair costs. Rieder notes that the 2023 wildfire season was very devastating for the Okanagan regions, “It was most destructive in BC’s history. So we certainly have put preventative measures into place. Similar steps being taken in northern BC as well, such as pole wraps installed on transmission circuits that shield poles from radiant heat and flames. So that’s something new that that we’re trying.”

“You never know what a wildfire season will bring. For instance, last year, it was destructive, but nowhere near what 2023 was. So last year we lost about 57 transmission structures and 53 distribution poles. But then, when you look at 2023 we lost about 200 structures and 1200 poles. So year by year, it is different, and we just treat every year as if it’s going to be worst case scenario, and just get as prepared as possible.”

BC Hydro is urging customers to get prepared for the coming wildfire season a by doing the following:

• Create an emergency kit: Assemble a grab-and-go kit with essential supplies and store it in an accessible, safe location. Regularly check that all items are well-stocked and functional. PreparedBC offers tips on the recommended contents.
• Develop an emergency plan: Share your plan with family members, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Know your power switch: Locate and label the main electrical switch in your home. Familiarize yourself with how to safely turn it off if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Keep emergency contacts handy: Create a list of critical contact numbers, including fire, police, ambulance services, and BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).

Residential and commercial customers affected by evacuation orders lasting five days or longer may qualify for a credit covering the electricity consumed during the evacuation period. There’s no need to contact BC Hydro – the credit will be automatically applied to a future bill. For further information, visit bchydro.com/getprepared or contact BC Hydro’s customer service team at 1-800 BCHYDRO (1-800 224-9376).