Public safety source-check · August 12, 2026
Returning home after wildfire evacuation: the safety checklist to use first
A Mark Harding Facebook Reel gives a practical checklist for people returning home after wildfire evacuation. BCFires checked the advice against PreparedBC, HealthLinkBC, Interior Health, BCCDC, EmergencyInfoBC and BC Wildfire Service guidance.
Bottom line: safe to share as a general checklist. It is not a specific fire report, evacuation notice, cause claim, road update or damage assessment. Always follow current official orders, alerts, water advisories and local authority instructions.
Checklist before entering and cleaning
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Wait for the all-clear | Do not return because a road looks open or a neighbour got through. Use official evacuation-order/alert updates, local authority posts and EmergencyInfoBC. |
| Photograph before cleanup | Document structures, vehicles, appliances, smoke/soot/ash contamination and spoiled contents for insurance and records. |
| Treat ash and soot as hazardous | Wear proper respiratory protection and gloves; damp-wipe rather than dry-sweeping; keep vulnerable people away from cleanup. |
| Food, meds, cosmetics | Discard items exposed to heat, smoke, ash, firefighting chemicals or prolonged power loss when safety is uncertain. |
| Water and wells | Follow local water advisories. Private wells/surface sources may need inspection, flushing or testing after wildfire. |
| HVAC and filters | Replace furnace/AC filters and consider duct/HVAC cleaning before running systems through a smoky/ashy home. |
| Be ready to leave again | Wildfires can flare, smoke can shift, utilities can be unstable and access can change quickly. |
Emergency reminders
- If life or property is at immediate risk, call 911.
- To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in B.C., call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.
- For evacuation orders and alerts, check EmergencyInfoBC and the affected local or First Nation government.
- For current wildfire status, check the BC Wildfire Service map.
Evidence labels
| Point | Label |
|---|---|
| Return only when officials say it is safe. | Officially supported. |
| Ash/soot/smoke residue can be hazardous. | Officially supported. |
| Food/water/medications may be unsafe after heat, smoke, ash, water damage or power loss. | Officially supported in principle; follow local advisories. |
| The Reel identifies a specific fire/cause/location. | Not shown. |