Every active wildfire in British Columbia, straight from the provincial open-data feed. Refreshed every 30 minutes on our server and every 10 minutes in your browser. Red = out of control · orange = being held · yellow = under control · ⭐ = "fire of note".
The city itself almost never burns — fires happen in the Interior and the North. What reaches Vancouver is smoke, typically on some days in late July–September depending on winds. Check the smoke forecast link on this page before changing plans.
Where does this fire data come from?
Directly from the BC Wildfire Service open-data feed (the same source as the government dashboard). Our copy refreshes every 30 minutes and the map re-checks it every 10 minutes while open.
What does 'Out of Control' actually mean?
It's a suppression status, not a panic alert — it means the fire is expected to grow beyond its current boundaries. 'Being Held' means it's not expected to grow, and 'Under Control' means containment lines are secure.
Should I cancel my BC road trip because of wildfires?
Rarely necessary — but always check DriveBC for road closures and the air-quality forecast for your route in peak season. Campfire bans are common in summer: check the current prohibitions before lighting anything.
Planning around smoke season
Smoky day in the city? Swap mountain views for indoor picks — see our bad-weather playbook (it works for smoke too), check Vancouver right now, or plan camping with the booking guide — and always check fire bans first.
Vancouver, a city cradled by mountains and kissed by the Pacific, is a place of unparalleled natural beauty. Yet, like many regions blessed with vast forests, it occasionally feels the distant breath of wildfire season. While the urban sprawl of Vancouver itself remains a verdant oasis, far removed from the direct threat of flames, the smoke from fires burning hundreds of kilometres away can sometimes drift across the landscape, painting our usually crisp skies with a hazy, ethereal glow. This phenomenon, often most noticeable during the warmer, drier months, serves as a poignant reminder of the wild heart of British Columbia that beats just beyond our city limits. Our live wildfire map, drawing directly from official BC Wildfire Service data, offers a real-time window into these remote events, helping residents and visitors alike understand the broader environmental canvas of our province.
For those planning a visit or simply enjoying a stroll along the seawall, understanding the wildfire situation is about more than just safety; it's about appreciating the dynamic interplay between nature and urban life. When the air carries a whisper of smoke, it's a call to check the air quality index, perhaps opt for indoor activities, or simply marvel at the sun filtering through a softened sky. Our comprehensive tracker, updated every few minutes, categorises active fires by their status – from "out of control" to "under control" – and highlights "fires of note," which are particularly significant for public interest or impact. Beyond the immediate data, we've curated essential links to help you navigate the broader implications, from detailed smoke forecasts that animate the next twelve hours, to road closure updates crucial for any journey beyond the Lower Mainland, and current campfire prohibitions that help prevent new ignitions.
Whether you're a lifelong Vancouverite or a first-time visitor, this resource is designed to empower you with knowledge. It’s about being informed, not alarmed, and understanding how the vast, wild beauty of British Columbia can occasionally touch our urban shores. From the deep greens of Stanley Park to the distant, sometimes smoky, blues of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver’s allure is inextricably linked to its natural surroundings. By staying informed, we can all better appreciate the resilience of our environment and the efforts of those who work tirelessly to protect it, ensuring that the magic of British Columbia endures for generations to come.
Good to know
Is Vancouver affected by wildfires?
While the city of Vancouver itself is almost never directly threatened by wildfires, which typically occur in the drier Interior or Northern regions of British Columbia, smoke can occasionally drift into the Lower Mainland. This often leads to hazy skies and can impact air quality, particularly during peak wildfire season in the summer months.
How can I tell if the air quality is poor?
You can monitor the air quality index (AQHI) provided by Environment Canada. This index offers a scale from low to very high risk, along with health messages tailored to different risk levels. When the air quality is poor, it's advisable for vulnerable individuals to reduce outdoor exertion, and for everyone to consider limiting strenuous outdoor activities.
Will wildfires impact my travel plans within British Columbia?
Distant wildfires are unlikely to disrupt plans within Vancouver itself, but they can sometimes affect travel to other parts of British Columbia. Smoke may reduce visibility on scenic drives, and in rare cases, road closures might occur due to fires closer to major routes. Always check DriveBC for current road conditions and the BC Wildfire Service for fire locations if you plan to travel beyond the Lower Mainland.
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