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How we work with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Last updated on June 14, 2024

Each organization plays a unique role in wildfire safety and broader emergency management.

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Division of responsibilities

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) have different yet complementary roles in managing wildfires and other incidents.

EMCR and BCWS operate based on their specialized expertise and functions.

BCWS manages wildfires because we have specialized knowledge, skills and resources dedicated to understanding, preventing and combating wildfires. While our primary focus is on fighting wildfires, BCWS may also be asked to provide necessary support during other emergency scenarios. 

EMCR has a broader mandate that encompasses overall emergency management strategies for a range of emergencies, such as wildfires, floods and landslides. They're responsible for providing support to impacted communities throughout all phases of emergency management. EMCR's responsibilities support the efforts of Emergency Operations Centres (EOC).

Before a wildfire

Early-stage prevention and readiness help to proactively manage wildfire challenges.

Responsibilities before a wildfire. Search by key word or agency.
Activity Lead agency

Conducts controlled burns and other fuel management methods to manage fuel loads and reduce wildfire risk on Crown land. 
  • BCWS
Engages and aligns other partners on readiness before the wildfire season. For example, through meetings and communication plans. 
  • BCWS
  • EMCR
Implements fire bans and restrictions to reduce wildfire risks. 
  • BCWS
Maintains and updates information on PreparedBC.
  • EMCR
Procures contracted equipment from various equipment owners for BC Wildfire Service use. For example, high pressure water pumps, rock trucks and skidders. 
  • BCWS

Provides emergency management training to communities (staff and elected officials) and other agencies.
  • EMCR
Provides funding for wildfire prevention initiatives.
  • BCWS
Provides public education to enhance community resilience and readiness, such as school programs and community workshop. 
  • BCWS
  • EMCR
Signs off on burn plans.
  • BCWS
Supports local governments with wildfire-related funding applications.
  • EMCR

During a wildfire

When a wildfire is happening, quick and organized action is important. 

Responsibilities during a wildfire. Search by key word or agency.
Activity Lead agency
Continues to monitor affected areas for potential flare-ups or secondary fires to ensure that all fire threats are fully extinguished.
  • BCWS
Coordinates food and grocery supply continuity.
  • EMCR
Facilitates calls with BCWS representatives, EMCR and impacted communities to coordinate and discuss high-level recommendations on evacuation alerts and orders.
  • EMCR
Facilitates critical infrastructure calls between EMCR, BCWS and partners with affected critical infrastructure sites, such as BC Hydro.
  • EMCR
Facilitates the arrangements of psychosocial support, such as counsellors and support groups, through health partners.
  • EMCR
Maintains EmergencyInfoBC.
  • EMCR
Maintains the wildfire information dashboard.
  • BCWS
Manages wildfire efforts on Crown land. 
  • If a wildfire is within other jurisdictional borders, but poses a risk to life or forest land, BCWS can intervene and take action on any property
  • If a local government asks for help, BCWS can step in and manage fires within that area's boundaries
  • BCWS
Supports EMCR with broader emergency management efforts. For example, providing equipment and deploying personnel to support flood response.
  • BCWS
Works with communities to help affected people find emergency shelter.
  • EMCR

After a wildfire

Once a fire is out, rehabilitation and recovery begin.

Responsibilities after a wildfire. Search by key word or agency.
Activity Lead agency
Conducts post-fire investigations to determine the cause of the fire and evaluates the response to inform future prevention and suppression strategies.
  • BCWS
Coordinates food and grocery supply continuity.
  • EMCR
Coordinates recovery and rebuilding efforts with all partners, such as local governments and First Nations. 
  • EMCR
Engages in restoring damaged land to help nature recover and lower the chances of future wildfires.
  • BCWS
Facilitates the arrangements of psychosocial support, such as counsellors and support groups, through health partners.
  • EMCR
Sets up a recovery branch for the affected community.
  • EMCR
Works with communities to help impacted people find temporary accommodation.
  • EMCR