Richmond, B.C. (August 11, 2026) — With wildfire activity intensifying across British Columbia, WorkSafeBC is reminding employers to review their emergency evacuation plans and prepare for situations where workers may need to evacuate a workplace. When local emergencies occur, including wildfires, employers should be prepared to support the safe evacuation of workers.
“Employers should understand the risks that may impact their workplaces and ensure they have appropriate emergency procedures in place,” says Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Emergencies and disasters can happen any time and without warning. The more prepared you are for them, the better you’ll be able to respond.”
Preparing for an evacuation
- Identify when workers may need to evacuate. Consider wildfires and other emergencies that could affect the workplace, including risks specific to the location.
- Have clear evacuation routes. Identify primary and alternate routes to safely leave the worksite and make sure exits are clearly marked, well-lit and free of obstructions.
- Have a way to alert workers. Make sure workers know how they will be notified if they need to evacuate and what an evacuation alert or order means.
- Assign responsibilities. Make sure workers know who is coordinating the evacuation and who will help others get to safety.
- Plan for shutting down equipment and work processes. Identify what may need to be shut down, how it can be done safely, and who is responsible. Consider materials or processes that could become hazardous when exposed to fire. However, workers should not delay evacuation to shut down equipment or complete other tasks when there is an immediate threat to their safety.
- Plan for everyone. Consider the needs of workers, visitors and others who may need assistance during an evacuation, including people with disabilities and those who do not speak English.
- Keep workers informed and prepared. Review the plan with workers, provide training and hold evacuation drills at least once a year. Discuss emergency plans seasonally or when the potential for an emergency increases.
Protecting workers from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect workers even when a fire is not close to the workplace. Employers should monitor local air quality and adjust work as conditions change. This may include relocating or rescheduling work, reducing strenuous activity and taking steps to improve indoor air quality.
WorkSafeBC has resources to help employers prepare for wildfire season, including information on emergency planning and response, emergency evacuation planning and wildfire smoke.