Wildfire preparedness is vital: CFES

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Posted: July 13, 2026

As wildfires begin to pop up around the region and the province, taking simple, proactive steps now will not only help protect your family, your home, and your neighbourhood, but ensure you are prepared should an emergency occur.

Hot, dry, and windy conditions have increased wildfire risk throughout the region over the last week or so.

Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services (CFES) is preparing for the season and encouraging residents to do their part to help protect homes, neighbourhoods, and the broader community.

Prepare before an emergency happens

Create or review your household emergency plan.
Build a grab-and-go kit with the supplies your family will need if you have to leave quickly.
Keep important documents, medications, and essential items where you can easily find them.
Include pets and livestock in your plans, and know your evacuation routes and possible places to stay.

Residents should monitor official information sources, including the BC Wildfire Service, City of Cranbrook, and Regional District of East Kootenay communications, and sign up for VOYENT ALERT! Notifications, if you haven’t already. You can sign up for free HERE.

If you see a fire that threatens life or property, call 911. To report a wildfire, call the BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 from a cell phone.

“Wildfires can develop quickly, particularly during hot, dry, and windy conditions,” said CFES Chief Scott Driver. “Taking simple preparedness steps today can help reduce risk to your property and ensure your family is ready to act if an emergency occurs.”

Reducing the risk around your home is also an important part of any preparedness plan. A few practical FireSmart steps can help reduce wildfire risk around your property.

Those include things like:

Clear leaves, needles, and other combustible materials from roofs, gutters, decks, and around structures.
Trim vegetation and remove dead or dry plant material from your property.
Keep firewood, propane tanks, and other combustible materials away from buildings.
Maintain a non-combustible zone immediately around structures.