Written by Samara Reyes with contributions by Dr. Julian Marsden, Kimberly Ferraro.

Wildfires pose significant challenges to public health during the peak months of June to September in British Columbia. Wildfires can exacerbate existing health conditions, especially respiratory ailments like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals may face risks such as heat-related illnesses, burns, as well as mental health concerns due to displacement and loss. Furthermore, wildfires can pose significant public health risks, including poor air quality, disruptions to healthcare services, and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes.

This toolkit aims to equip healthcare practitioners with essential information and resources to navigate wildfire-related emergencies efficiently.

Health authorities are providing information on how communities and patients can prepare for wildfire season:

• Fraser Health
• First Nations Health Authority
• Interior Health
• Northern Health
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Vancouver Island Health

Visit EmergencyInfoBC for information about active wildfire emergencies and stay up to date with B.C.’s Air Quality Advisory Alert System and Wildfire Status Service. You can visit the Government of Canada’s Coordinated Wildfire page for information on the emergency response, support, and health measures for current wildfires across Canada.

Here are some essential resources and quick links to assist clinicians in identifying and addressing health concerns exacerbated by wildfire smoke exposure:

Resources for Clinicians:

ECBC: Point-of-Care Clinical Summaries

• Major Burns Trauma
• Asthma Exacerbation Diagnosis and Treatment
• COPD Exacerbation Diagnosis and Treatment

ECBC: Simulations

• Burns and Difficult Airway

Other Resources:

• Government of BC: Health Provider Registry for BC’s Emergency Response
• TREKK: Pediatric Thermal Burn Management
• UBC CPD: Protecting Patients Through Wildfire Season webinar (May 28, 2024)
• CMAJ: 5 Things to Know About Wildfire Smoke

Resources for Patients & Families:

Patient Discharge Sheets:

• ECBC Patient Discharge Sheet: Burn Care
• ECBC Patient Discharge Sheet: Asthma
• ECBC Patient Discharge Sheet: Dehydration

Other Resources:

• HealthLinkBC: Wildfires and your health
• BC Children’s Hospital: Tips for wildfire smoke and children
• Government of BC: Wildfire recovery and support services
• Canadian Red Cross: Evacuation procedures
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Managing health impacts of wildfire smoke
• • Wildfires And Extreme Heat Events
  • Wildfire Smoke And Pregnancy
  • Home-made Box Air Fan Filters