Community members play a pivotal role in providing real-time reports of fires that contain valuable information.
During times with multiple new wildfire starts, phone lines at the Provincial Wildfire Reporting Centre may result in wait times as call takers work as quickly as possible to gather details needed for responders.
The Report a Fire function on the BC Wildfire Service Mobile App and website allows you to electronically report wildfires through your phone or desktop.
The mobile app includes offline capabilities, which allows you to report wildfires in areas with limited cell service. Reports can first be prepared offline and will be automatically uploaded once you regain internet access through Wi-Fi or cell coverage.
Photos submitted during the reporting process provide instant and important information that helps response staff understand what the situation is, the fire behaviour, the terrain and location of the fire and what the conditions on site are.
You are encouraged when reporting wildfires to include a photo of the fire in your report to better aid in the response to new wildfires starts.
On top of being a valuable way to receive wildfire information, the mobile app can be a reliable alternative to reporting wildfires in B.C.
Download the BCWS mobile app today in the App store on iPhone and Google Play for Android.
For more information, please visit bcwildfire.ca
To view a short YouTube video about how to report a wildfire using the BC Wildfire Service app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Vp0uK_fpE