Wildfire season impacts thousands of British Columbians every year, causing significant upheaval and consequences for communities throughout the province. To support doctors facing the challenges of wildfires, whether delivering care in affected areas or being displaced themselves, Doctors of BC has compiled a list of resources and information.

Supports and resources

  • Doctors of BC’s Contingency Planning webpage provides physicians with access to a Contingency Planning Toolkit to proactively protect their practices during wildfire season. It also serves as a hub for emergency preparedness resources designed to support physicians in being better prepared in advance of an emergency, helping them and their families during an emergency, and enabling them to continue delivering care to patients.
     
  • Physicians who have commercial/office or home insurance through Doctors of BC’s partner, Westland Insurance, may be eligible to claim under the provincial mass evacuation benefit. Contact Westland Insurance for more information or call +1 800 899-3093. More information can be found in this handout. 
     
  • The Physician Health Program offers physicians and their families who are experiencing feelings of distress confidential access to trained counsellors and peer support professionals, 24/7.

Stay informed

Wildfire conditions and evacuation alerts can change quickly. To stay informed, the BC government’s Wildfire Service website provides real-time updates on active fires, evacuation notices, road impacts, and other essential information.

For on-the-go access, the BC Wildfire Service App provides instant notifications and the latest wildfire details, helping you stay informed about changing conditions no matter where you are in the province.

Protecting patient health

Wildfire smoke and declining air quality are serious health concerns during wildfire season. To help physicians guide patients in minimizing exposure and protecting their well-being, we’ve compiled practical advice and prevention tips. Visit our Together for Health news article for details.

Additional help

If you’re uncertain about whom to contact for support, please contact us, and we will connect you with the appropriate Doctors of BC department or team member.