July 15, 2025 – Canada’s Wildfire Update and What You Should Do Next

Canada is enduring one of its most intense wildfire seasons in recent memory. With over 3,000 wildfires across the country and 5.1 million hectares burned, every region remains on high alert. B.C. — despite not being the hardest hit — is experiencing significant wildfire activity and smoke impacts. At Axeman.ca, we're committed to keeping you informed and prepared with trusted tools and actionable advice.

🔥 National Scale Wildfire Overview

• 3,000+ active wildfires, covering over 5.1 million hectares (Canada-wide)

• Canada is operating at National Preparedness Level 5 — the maximum alert (CWFI System)

• Smoke is causing unhealthy air quality from Alberta and Ontario into U.S. states like Minnesota and Wisconsin (Weather Canada)

B.C. Wildfire Situation (as of July 15, 2025)

🔥 Active Fires & Smoke Conditions

• 69 active wildfires reported by BC Wildfire Service, with 15 out-of-control (CityNews Vancouver)

• Smoke affecting Lower Mainland, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching up to 120 µg/m³—unsafe levels (CityNews Vancouver)

• Coastal Fire Centre issuing outflow pattern alerts, warning of erratic wind and drying fuels into July 16 (blog.gov.bc.ca)

🚨 Evacuation Alerts

• Evacuation orders and alerts are in effect in Princeton (August Lake) and areas west of Victoria (Grass Lake fire) (CityNews Vancouver)

• The Okanagan-Similkameen region has rescinded one evacuation order while keeping others active (rdos.bc.ca)

📡 Air Quality and Public Health

• Everyone in smoky zones advised to stay indoors or use a ventilator/KN95 mask outdoors (CityNews Vancouver)

• Air Quality Health Index warnings remain in effect across B.C. (aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca)

• Fernie & East Kootenays currently clear, with Category 2 & 3 fire bans active — campfires still allowed (Tourism Fernie)

Smoke Forecast (Today, July 15)

• BlueSky model predicts continued smoke drift across southern B.C., especially the Lower Mainland and central regions

• Monitor FireSmoke.ca or the BC Wildfire Service app to track daily PM2.5 changes

☑️ What You Should Do Right Now

1. Protect Your Indoor Air Quality

• Keep windows closed; set HVAC to recirculate mode

• Use HEPA-grade air purifiers

• Use NIOSH-certified masks (KN95/N95) when venturing outside

2. Prepare for Evacuations

• Monitor local alerts: RDEK, RDOS, and BCWS websites/apps

• Keep a 72-hour kit ready: water, food, documents, medications, masks, power sources

• Map at least two exit routes and plan for pets, livestock, and equipment

3. Defensible Space & Tools

• Clear flammable debris within 10 meters of structures with tools like Pulaskis, fire rakes, and axes

• Inspect pumps, hoses, and backup power systems

4. Stay Informed

• BC Wildfire App: alerts, fire maps, evacuation orders (BC Wildfire Service, rdos.bc.ca)

• FireSmoke.ca: real-time smoke coverage

• AQHI (Government of Canada) & IQAir for local air quality

🔧 Axeman’s Recommended Gear for B.C. Residents

To help B.C. households, landowners, and forestry professionals stay ready, we offer essential wildfire tools:

• Bullseye Power Nozzles – approved by BC Wildfire Service for high-pressure firefighting

• Pulaskis, Fire Rakes & McLeods – rugged, field-tested hand tools

• Wildfire Water Pumps & Hose Kits – ideal for on-property initial attack

Explore our collections tailored for wildfire defense and preparedness on Axeman.ca.

Final Thoughts: Act Today to Stay Ahead

Wildfire seasons are evolving — longer, hotter, and more unpredictable with climate change. B.C. may not currently be the national hot spot, but with active fires and poor air quality, now is the time to act. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or forestry manager, proactive preparation is critical.

At Axeman.ca, we equip you with top-grade tools and timely advice so you can face wildfire threats — and smoky skies — with confidence.

Quick Access & Useful Resources

• BC Wildfire Service Map & App: real-time fire data (FireSmoke, BC Wildfire Service)

• FireSmoke.ca – today’s smoke forecast

• BC Air Quality Health Warnings – official advisories

• Regional Emergency Operations:

  • Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) – evacuation notice (Weather Canada, rdos.bc.ca)

  • Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) – monitoring updates (emergency.rdkb.com)