BC Hydro Takes Proactive Steps Amid Wildfire Risks

April 23, 2025

With warmer-than-average temperatures and dry conditions forecasted in the coming months, BC Hydro is taking proactive steps to address wildfire risk and encouraging customers to get prepared.

The summer forecast for Western Canada suggests potentially soaring temperatures, with heat beginning as early as May in many parts of British Columbia. The 2024 wildfire season caused significant damage to BC Hydro’s infrastructure, resulting in approximately $15 million in response and repair costs. This included the loss of 57 transmission structures and 53 distribution poles.

The 2023 wildfire season was even more devastating – the most destructive in B.C.’s history. Nearly three million hectares of forest and land were burned, leading to thousands of evacuations and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.¹ BC Hydro crews worked tirelessly during that time, restoring power to over 20,500 customers affected by wildfires and replacing approximately 200 transmission structures and over 1,200 distribution poles.

Although the severity, timing and duration of wildfire seasons are difficult to predict, preparation remains essential. BC Hydro actively prepares year-round, collaborating with other agencies to monitor and manage forest fire risks. Crews undergo continuous training to ensure rapid activation of wildfire response plans and maintain a robust inventory of essential materials, such as power poles and associated hardware, for quick deployment in affected areas. Vegetation on and near electrical rights-of-way is assessed and managed annually to reduce fuel loading and minimize the risk of outages caused by falling trees and branches.

Preventative measures include regular equipment inspections to ensure safe operations and mitigate risks. Fire retardant is sometimes applied to wooden power poles as a precautionary measure, and BC Hydro is trialing innovative solutions such as fire-resistant pole wraps. These wraps, made of steel mesh coated with a heat-activated barrier, shield poles from radiant heat and flames while allowing water evaporation to prevent decay. Last year, these pole wraps were installed on transmission circuits between Fort Nelson and the Alberta border.

BC Hydro is urging customers to get prepared for the coming wildfire season a by doing the following:

• Create an emergency kit: Assemble a grab-and-go kit with essential supplies and store it in an accessible, safe location. Regularly check that all items are well-stocked and functional. PreparedBC offers tips on the recommended contents.
• Develop an emergency plan: Share your plan with family members, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Know your power switch: Locate and label the main electrical switch in your home. Familiarize yourself with how to safely turn it off if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Keep emergency contacts handy: Create a list of critical contact numbers, including fire, police, ambulance services, and BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).