Wildfire reporting update

Arson, suspicious fires and human-caused wildfire: what to report and what not to assume

Updated August 8, 2026 · Independent public-safety explainer

Online wildfire posts often use “arson” as a catch-all. That is risky. A fire can be human-caused without being criminal arson, and arson should be used as a criminal label only when police, fire investigators or courts support that wording.

What is worth reporting

Smoke, flame or a new fire start: report to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555.
Immediate danger to people or property: call 911.
Suspicious activity near a fire start: contact local police/RCMP and preserve dashcam, photos, timestamps and location details.

What not to assume

Do not assume every human-caused fire is arson. Human-caused starts can include campfires, burning, equipment sparks, vehicles, cigarettes, fireworks, power infrastructure or other activity. Share only what is confirmed by BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC, local government or police.

Current source trail

BC Wildfire Service’s Aug. 8 dashboard update points to hot/dry conditions, lingering smoke, possible holdover lightning fires and the importance of public reports. News feeds also show reports of police investigations into suspicious or allegedly deliberate fires, including Interior, Metro Vancouver, Port Alberni and Belcarra-related items. Those reports justify public attention — but not blanket claims about the cause of B.C.’s wildfire season.

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