The province says it is stepping up wildfire readiness ahead of the 2026 season, with record firefighter recruitment, new training programs, and expanded firefighting resources across the province.

The BC Wildfire Service is enhancing its ability to protect communities with increased staffing, specialized training, new equipment, and a larger depot in Prince George, according to Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests.

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

Record Recruitment and Expanded Training

BCWS has more than 600 year-round positions to maintain operational readiness, and a record 2,400 applications have been received for seasonal firefighter roles. Recruitment efforts included extending the hiring period and expanding First Nations bootcamps.

The service also provided specialized training for wildland-urban interface operations to over 1,700 fire departments, First Nations, and contractors. These programs focus on structure protection and defence during wildfires. Additionally, over 700 contract firefighters are under existing agreements to support on-the-ground operations during periods of high wildfire activity.

New Prince George Equipment Depot

A $21 million enhanced equipment depot in Prince George will be operational for the 2026 season. The facility increases capacity for storing, maintaining, and deploying critical firefighting equipment across northern B.C.

“Our crews are world class, but they need the right equipment and tools to do their job effectively,” Parmar said. “This depot in Prince George allows for more firefighting infrastructure and equipment to be stored in northern B.C., ready to move efficiently through the area.”

Expanded Equipment and Technology

BCWS has invested $14 million to expand firefighting equipment, including trucks, camp infrastructure, and 10 additional Type 2 structure-protection units—trailers with pumps, hoses, sprinklers, and water-delivery tools to safeguard communities.

The aviation program continues to be a key asset, with 28 fixed-wing aircraft across 14 bases and contracts for over 120 helicopters to respond to wildfire emergencies. Long-term helicopter contracts for 2026 include medium, intermediate, heavy, and specialized rappel and parattack aircraft. Night-vision-capable helicopters, which flew 260 missions in 2025, will continue supporting wildfire detection, reconnaissance, and water delivery at night.

Predictive tools such as enhanced wildfire camera networks and advanced fire-behaviour modeling have improved early wildfire detection, while new camp infrastructure increases operational flexibility.

Ongoing Commitment to Wildfire Resilience

Preparations for 2026 build on previous years’ initiatives, including hosting the first National Wildfire Symposium to shape national wildfire strategy, and funding wildfire-risk reduction projects through the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust.

With these steps, B.C. aims to strengthen wildfire response capabilities and keep communities safer as the 2026 wildfire season approaches.