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We're recommending companies review their emergency management plans for wildfire preparedness - to identify gaps in planning and improve site level preparedness.

DATE ISSUED: April 4, 2025

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately


As the 2025 wildfire season approaches, the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is recommending permit holders review their emergency management plans for wildfire preparedness and consider actions that may be taken now to address any identified gaps in planning and improve site level wildfire resiliency and preparedness.

Actions to consider include:

  • Reviewing asset locations, considering where deployment of structural protection units (SPU’s) may be needed and where SPU’s may be available.
  • Ensuring sufficient on-site water supplies to provide at least 24 hours of structural protection from wildfires/fires. Please note authorizations are required for some types of water use and storage. If there are questions about authorizations, please contact servicedesk@bc-er.ca.
  • Ensuring sufficient area beneath and around flare stacks is free of combustible materials and vegetation, as required by section 47(h) of the Drilling and Production Regulation, and inspecting all flare equipment to ensure liquids carry-over or burning cinders that could cause ignitions of surrounding areas are prevented.
  • Improving vegetation management around critical sites to the extent allowed within permits.
  • Reviewing staff safety plans, evacuation protocols and designated muster areas.
  • Reviewing reporting procedures:
    • Reporting a wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
    • Reporting site evacuations to the authority having jurisdiction.
    • Reporting any hazardous products on-site that may pose risks to wildfire crews to the BCER or the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness call centre.

All permit holders’ field staff should know how to monitor current wildfire conditions. It is recommended they install the BC Wildfire Service app on their mobile devices for the latest updates on new fire locations. Companies with GIS capabilities can access near real-time fire information on our Provincial Emergency Updates webpage under the “Provincial Wildfire Updates” section.


If you have any questions regarding this Safety Advisory, please contact:

Alicia Remenda
Director, Emergency Management
BC Energy Regulator
Alicia.Remenda@bc-er.ca
250-794-5200