Castlegar Fire Department

08/26/2026

The Castlegar Fire Department is aware of the wildfire in the Tarry's response area and will continue to monitor throughout the evening.

Update as of 4:23pm August 26, 2026 on the Ezra Creek Wildfire N51938

Tarrys Fire Rescue has been monitoring the situation throughout the day. Over the last hour or so fire growth has been fairly large due to winds and high heat in the valley.

The fire is currently 25 hectares in size with expected growth into the later afternoon. This fire remains Out of Control.
Lots of smoke is visible from all around the area. BC Wildfire has Water bombers actioning the fire at this time.

This fire still remains NO threat to life or property at this time. Tarrys Fire Rescue will remain in contact with BC Wildfire and the RDCK to keep our communities informed!

Thank you and stay safe!

08/10/2026

🏡 Be prepared before you need to be!

Taking a few minutes today to prepare for an emergency can make a big difference tomorrow. Creating an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile in advance can help streamline access to support and services if you're ever impacted by an emergency and need assistance.

While reviewing your emergency preparedness plans, it's also a good idea to: ✔️ Check your home or tenant insurance policy to understand what evacuation supports may be available to you
✔️ Sign up for Voyent Alert! to receive local emergency notifications and updates at castlegar.ca/subscribe

Getting started with ESS is easy:
✔️ Visit https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
✔️ Click "Create Profile"
✔️ Follow the BC Services Card login instructions
✔️ Complete your ESS profile

If an evacuation is ever required, always follow evacuation orders and prioritize your safety first.

Need help registering? Contact the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-844-537-7377.

Being prepared isn't about expecting an emergency. It's about having a plan in place, just in case. 💙
🔗 https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
🔗 castlegar.ca/subscribe

08/10/2026

⚠️ TEMPORARY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

The Province of B.C. has temporarily prohibited the recreational use of off-road vehicles on Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, effective at noon today, August 10.

The restriction includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and off-road side-by-side vehicles.

The Province has put the restriction in place due to extreme and unpredictable wildfire activity, elevated fire danger and extremely dry conditions. Off-road vehicles can cause unintentional ignitions that may spark new wildfires.

The BC Wildfire Service is also strongly urging people to stay out of the backcountry during the current wildfire situation.

The restriction does not apply to private land or national parks, or to certain emergency, agricultural and commercial/industrial uses.

➡️ Read the full information from the Province of B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026FOR0032-000935

07/21/2026

🔥 Campfire Ban Begins July 23 at Noon

The City of Castlegar will follow the Southeast Fire Centre campfire ban, beginning Thursday, July 23 at 12 p.m.

The ban prohibits Category 1 campfires and is being put in place due to the current hot and dry conditions and increased wildfire risk.

While the fire ban is in effect, the Castlegar Fire Department will be enforcing the ban and may issue fines and applicable service fees for non-compliance.

Please do your part to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and help keep our community safe.

To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.

For current fire bans and wildfire information, visit bcwildfire.ca.

07/10/2026

Category 2 Open Fire Ban Starts Today at Noon

Campfires are still okay, but starting today, Friday, July 10, at noon, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, including the Castlegar area.

This is to help prevent human-caused wildfires and keep communities safe.

What’s NOT allowed:
• Piles of burning material over 2m x 3m
• Two piles burning at once
• Grass or stubble burning over 0.2 hectares

Campfires (Category 1) are NOT included in this ban.

The ban is in effect until noon on October 30 or until it's lifted.

More info: bcwildfire.ca

06/02/2026

Castlegar Fire Department members assisted with serving breakfast at Legion's Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast on May 10, 2026. As token of their appreciation, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170 Castlegar/Robson donated $1,500 to the CFD's Annual Toy Drive. Thank you for this donation, it will go a long way in buying the toys and gifts for the families that are need this year.

05/05/2026

During Emergency Preparedness Week 2026, the Castlegar Fire Department and Emergency Support Services (ESS) Team remind residents to be ready for evacuation at a moment’s notice. Know your hazards, plan multiple routes, and identify a safe meeting place. Prepare a grab-and-go kit with water, medications, documents, clothing, and pet supplies for at least 72 hours. Sign up for local alerts, follow official instructions, and check on neighbors who may need assistance. Practice your plan regularly so everyone knows what to do and where to go. Preparedness saves time, reduces stress, and protects lives. Stay informed, stay calm, and be ready to leave immediately when advised.

Being prepared for emergencies is important. Create an ESS profile using the online Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool. Pre-registering will save time ...