British Columbia experienced a less destructive wildfire season in 2025 compared to the record-setting season of 2023. The Ministry of Forests reported that over 1,350 wildfires burned 8,864 square kilometers of land since April 1, which is close to the 10-year average. This is a decrease from the 10,811 square kilometers burned in 2024 and a significant drop from the 28,400 square kilometers burned in 2023.
Despite the lower wildfire numbers in 2025, 42 evacuation orders were issued for about 2,600 properties, impacting residents across the province. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene emphasized the importance of preparing for climate-driven emergencies to mitigate the impact on people’s lives.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar highlighted that 2025 marked Canada’s second-worst wildfire season, leading to an increased deployment of B.C. wildland firefighters to other Canadian regions. Parmar praised the BC Wildfire Service for its global leadership in wildfire management and continuous efforts to enhance their skills and resources.