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BC Wildfires and

Air Quality Updates

September 1, 2026 - Image above was taken today at 9:05 am in Fernie looking southwest. Campfires are allowed as of noon today. There are no wildfires near Fernie. See below for more details.

Fernie is part of the South East Fire Centre region. 

As of Tuesday, September 1, 2026: 

  • Bluebird morning with clear skies. There are no wildfires in or around the Fernie area. Fernie welcomes visitors.
  • Campfires are ALLOWED as of Noon, Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The campfire ban for the Southeast Fire Centre has been lifted. Read more...
  • Off-road recreational vehicle use (ATVs, dirt bikes etc) is allowed as of noon on Friday, August 28, 2026. The temporary ban has been lifted. 

The size of BC compared to Europe!

Size of British Columbia compared to Europe

Did You Know?

Putting BC's Size Into Perspective

A wildfire in one small part of BC, doesn't mean fires effect other parts of BC. Helping travellers understand travel is welcome to BC and why local conditions matter:

  • The United Kingdom fits inside British Columbia nearly four times.
  • BC is approximately 2.6 times larger than Germany.
  • BC is larger than Washington, Oregon, and California combined.
  • BC is larger than France and Germany combined.
  • BC is roughly half the size of Mexico.
  • All four Atlantic provinces combined fit inside British Columbia, with room to spare.

What to do if you see signs of a new wildfire? Call!

To report a fire or smoke plume, call *5555 or 1-800-663-5555

Tracking smoke and prevailing winds.

Current, live map tracking smoke over a forecasted period - FireSmoke.ca

What is the current air quality like around Fernie?

Due to the proximity of any BC, AB or USA wildfires and the prevailing winds Fernie can experience a smoky sky. There are three unique websites providing air quality monitoring data.  Air quality can easily change within a single day.

BC Air Quality Map

IQAir

Purple Air

For additional local 'on-the-ground' information please call the Fernie Visitor Centre (open daily 9am - 5pm in summer) at 778-519-0748.

Additional Important Links

Local radio stations

Past Summer Conditions

The previous seven summers saw no forest wildfire activity in our immediate area. Fernie can experience periodic smokey skies, primarily between late July and early September due to winds pushing smoke in from wildfires far away.

In BC, local community and regional governments lead the initial response to emergencies in communities.

How to Prepare in Case of Wildfire

Wildfire Preparedness - What To Do.  In BC, local community and regional governments lead the initial response to emergencies in communities.

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