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BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is recommending permit holders review their emergency management plans for wildfire preparedness to identify gaps in planning and improve preparedness.

In support of our ongoing commitment to protect public safety, local communities and the environment, we are recommending permit holders review their emergency response plans, with a focus on wildfire preparedness, ahead of the 2026 wildfire season. Permit holders should also consider actions to address any identified gaps in planning and improving site-level wildfire resiliency and preparedness.

Actions to consider:

  • Review asset locations, considering where deployment of Structural Protection Units (SPUs) may be needed and where SPUs may be available.
  • Create sufficient on-site water supplies to provide a minimum of 24 hours of structural protection from wildfires. Please note authorizations are required for some types of water use and storage. If there are questions about authorizations, please contact servicedesk@bc-er.ca.
  • Maintain flare stack areas, ensuring sufficient space beneath and around any flare stack is free of combustible materials and vegetation, per section 47(h) of the Drilling and Production Regulation. This includes performing preventative maintenance on flare equipment to minimize carbon accumulation at the flare tip and carry-over events from knock-out tanks which could ignite surrounding areas. Improve vegetation management around critical sites to the extent allowed within permits.
  • Review staff safety plans, including evacuation protocols and designated muster areas.
  • Review reporting procedures:
    • How to report a wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
    • When and how to notify the authority having jurisdiction if a site is evacuated.
    • Identifying hazardous products on site which could create risks for wildfire crews.

All field staff should know how to monitor current wildfire conditions. We recommend installing the BC Wildfire Service app on mobile devices to receive near real-time updates on new wildfire locations. Permit holders with GIS capabilities can also access near real-time wildfire information on our website through the Provincial Emergency Updates page.

If you have any questions regarding this Safety Advisory, please contact:

Alicia Remenda
Director, Emergency Management
BC Energy Regulator
Alicia.Remenda@bc-er.ca
250-794-5200