CANADA, August 15 -
Summary
- Accommodation continues to be available for people evacuated from the Bald Range fire
- Those who require continued Emergency Support Services are encouraged to call the BC Evacuee Helpline to renew their supports
- For anyone in British Columbia, pre-registering for Emergency Support Services can help you access help more quickly in an emergency
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As wildfire activity continues, support continues to be available to those who have evacuated.
Accommodation continues to be available for people evacuated who need it.
As of Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, government has more than 1,500 block-booked hotel rooms that are available for evacuees.
Those looking for a referral to a hotel must go to a reception centre. The Province recognizes that hotel rooms may not meet everyone’s needs, such as those with pets. People are encouraged to go to the reception centre where volunteers can help with the accommodations options that will best meet their needs. Group lodging spaces also continue to be available.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) accommodation options may include one of the following:
- a referral to a hotel room block-booked by the Province: people must receive a referral from the reception centre
- access to group lodgings
- a $200 e-transfer for those who choose other accommodation options, such as a hotel in a different community, camping or staying with family or friends.
Renewing Emergency Support Services
ESS supports must be renewed after one week. People still under evacuation order who would like to continue receiving the $200 e-transfer are encouraged to renew by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This can be done on or before the expiry date. Be patient as wait times may increase with many people renewing supports over the weekend.
Those who would like a hotel referral instead of the $200 e-transfer should visit a reception centre.
People are also encouraged to contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance policies include coverage for fire damage and losses, including from wildfires, and can support with living expenses while evacuated.
Everyone in B.C. urged to pre-register for ESS
Anyone living in B.C. who has been forced to evacuate from their primary residence in an emergency and needs support is eligible for ESS. This includes temporary foreign workers and others living in the area under evacuation order, regardless of their citizenship status.
As wildfire activity continues, government is encouraging everyone throughout British Columbia to pre-register for ESS before an emergency occurs at ess.gov.bc.ca, regardless of where they live or how close they are to an active wildfire or other emergency event. Registering in advance allows for faster online support in the case of an emergency.
ESS is available to provide temporary support for people who need help meeting their basic needs during an emergency, such as food, clothing, accommodation and other incidentals.
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