What to do if your farm or ranch is affected by wildfire

Agriculture Coordinators work within local EOCs to support farmers and ranchers during emergency response.

They:

• Help emergency responders understand agricultural needs
• Support coordination for livestock and farming operations
• Connect producers with available resources

Contact your local EOC to access support from an Agriculture Coordinator.

Producers are responsible for protecting their livestock and business operations. If animals need to be moved during an evacuation alert or evacuation order, financial assistance may be available for eligible relocation costs.

Important information:

• Relocating animals during emergencies requires significant time, planning, and coordination
• Financial assistance for eligible livestock relocation costs during an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order may be available through the local EOC. Pre-approval is required and producers must contact EOC in advance
• Relocation should begin as early as possible, ideally during the Alert phase when risk is identified
• Under the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) Financial Assistance Standards (FAS):
  • Only eligible response costs that are necessary, reasonable, and pre-authorized (where required) are reimbursable
  • All costs must align with provincial eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and approved rates
• The local EOC Agriculture Coordinator supports livestock needs and relocations of commercial agriculture operations

Contact your local EOC for assistance or information.

The Range Rider Program helps ranchers move and manage livestock affected by emergencies.

The program can provide skilled riders to help:

• Locate and gather livestock
• Move animals to safe locations
• Manage livestock in temporary grazing areas

The program is coordinated through the BC Cattlemen’s Association, and supports safe, efficient, and low-stress livestock movement during emergencies.

Contact your local EOC to access this program.

The Rancher Liaison Program connects the ranching community with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) during wildfire events.

Rancher Liaisons:

• Work directly with BCWS Incident Management Teams
• Provide information on livestock locations and key infrastructure
• Support wildfire planning and operations to reduce impacts on agriculture
• Liaise back with affected producers to provide current and timely wildfire information so they can effectively manage their livestock

Access rancher liaison support by contacting your local EOC.

The Access to Feed Program, coordinated by the BC Cattlemen's Association:

• Connects producers with feed or hay when emergencies disrupt supply or access

• Supports livestock welfare when:
  • Pasture is affected
  • Feed supplies are inaccessible

If you need feed for your livestock, please find contact information for the program on the BC Cattlemen’s Association website.

When an Evacuation Order is issued, all persons must leave the defined area. Road access to the evacuated area will be secured by the RCMP and permits will be required to return.

Important information:

• The local EOC that is responsible for the area where the Evacuation Order is in place is responsible for deciding whether to allow or deny requests for temporary access into the evacuated zone.
• Evacuation Order area access permits are often called ‘Temporary Access Permits’ or ‘Temporary Entry Permits’.

In general:

• Applying does not guarantee access, and reapplying will not speed up your request.
• Wait for approval before travelling to a roadblock.
• Do not wait at checkpoints. Access points must remain clear for emergency responders.

Yes. All evacuees are expected to be as self-sufficient as possible during emergencies. However, ESS may provide support for immediate basic needs when required. 

Employers who provide housing to TFWs remain responsible for doing so during an evacuation.

If an employer is unable to provide accommodation due to the emergency, or if a worker cannot meet their immediate basic needs, the worker is eligible for short-term ESS support.

​ESS can help with short-term, immediate basic needs, which may include:

• Food support through referrals such as gift cards or vouchers for grocery stores or restaurants
• Shelter support through referrals to group lodging or commercial accommodation
• Incidental support one-time for items such as clothing or hygiene products

Workers can still access ESS support for food and incidentals.

Evacuees without BC-issued identification (e.g., individuals who leave their identification at their evacuated residence or migrant workers) can access ESS support in person through the Reception Centre. Check your local government or First Nation emergency information for current Reception Centre locations. To access in-person support at the Reception Centre without BC-issued identification, evacuees (including migrant workers) will provide their B.C. address of residence, which must be in the evacuation order area.

Evacuees with valid, BC-issued identification can access support through e-transfer and the BC Evacuee Helpline and the online Self-Serve platform (ERA). Individuals without this identification are required to go in-person to a Reception Centre.

• Find more Emergency Support Services information at ess.gov.bc.ca and BC Evacuee Helpline (1-800-387-4258)
• Find more agriculture employer and employee emergency resources and information in English (PDF, 289 KB), Spanish (PDF, 131 KB), and Punjabi (PDF, 147 KB)