Mobile App Reference Guide

The Dashboard is a comprehensive landing page of wildfire information and gives further context with resource counts, active wildfires, and hectares burned in near real time. The dashboard also provides crucial updates as well as links to BC Wildfire Service digital channels including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube and blog.

There are two-tab options on the Dashboard: Current Wildfire Situation, and Totals this Year.

The Current Situation tab features several panels that provide an overview of the current wildfire situation in the province, with pertinent information easily accessible. Panels include:

• Provincial Situation Report
• Wildfire Overview
• Active Wildfires
• Resources Assigned
• Evacuations
• Fire Bans
• Wildfires of Note
• Wildfire Causes
• Latest News
• Latest Videos

Totals this Year tab provides a summary of wildfire activity from the start of the fiscal year, between April 1, 2024, and today's date. It includes more visual data such as graphs and charts to provide greater understanding of this year’s wildfire activity, with individual panes for Wildfire Causes, Historical Comparison, and Fire Centre Statistics.

*Using the Dashboard feature video coming soon. 

Map layers within the app have been transitioned to ESRI vector maps (on non-Android devices) for clearer zoom functions, easier navigation, and aid accessibility. Based on user feedback, the wildfire map can now be filtered by the most common needs such as evacuations, fire bans, and road events. Additionally, the creation of a legend button allows a greater understanding of the layers and icons displayed on the map.

In Map View, users can utilize the Search and Find Me features to pinpoint specific geographic areas. The Map Layer buttons at the top of the page can be accessed to toggle through critical layers. Additionally, these layers can be visualized and managed through the Layers and Lists tab in the left-side Navigation panel.

The Map Layer buttons at the top of Map View enhance map visualization and provide quick access for important and critical information. These include layers for displaying the following:

• Wildfires
• Evacuations
• Area Restrictions
• Fire Danger
• Smoke Forecast
• Out Fires
• Local Authorities
• Road Events

Map Layers selected will be visible in the Legend tab in the Navigation panel.

The Saved feature allows users to create and manage personalized bookmarks of geographic areas of interest, and specific wildfire incidents. This feature is essential for quick access to frequently viewed areas or incidents to stay up-to-date on the most recent information. Users can select up to three Saved Locations, and three Saved Wildfire incidents.

As many areas of the province receive unreliable or intermittent cell service, offline report of fire functionality has been introduced in the app. Users can report fires without cell coverage, and reports will automatically upload once service returns. On most devices, users will now be able to add photos to their report from their camera roll. 

The new More menu is available to view wildfires in a list form rather than on the wildfire map, find resources on bcwildfire.ca, contact us for app support or feedback, or find more information on our blog, Facebook, YouTube or X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

*Using the More feature video coming soon. 

Planned release cycles for new and updated features and functionality occur annually. Enhancements in development for 2025 include:

• Notification streamlining and enhancements.
• Further desktop alignment with the mobile app. 
• Enhancements based on user feedback. 

What are the red circles appearing on the map and how do I get rid of them:

• The red "circles" are fire perimeters. This layer can be turned off by de-selecting it from the All Layers menu. 

Evacuation information isn't being displayed: 

• This app pulls information from various sources. Evacuation Orders and Alerts are put into place by your local authority, government or First Nation. BC Wildfire Service displays this information when it becomes available geospacialy. For the latest evacuation information, contact your local authority or visit emergencyinfobc.ca 

The default map seems to be missing geographic information:

• If you notice the default base layer is missing information or you'd like to see more B.C. specific information, select the BC BaseMap from the Base Map menu. There are five base map options for you to select from. 

I'm receiving multiple notifications for the same incident:

• You may receive multiple notifications for the same wildfire if you have multiple saved locations that fall within the radius you have set to receive notifications. This functionality will be improved in the scheduled 2025 release of the app.  

I can't save a location: 

• Check if notifications are turned on. You would have had to allow notifications when installing the app. If you haven't allowed notifications, delete the app and reinstall it. Be sure to allow notifications - there will be a pop up that appears during your initial install.

Some features and functions don't seem to work on my device: 

• Check to ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version and ensure you have downloaded the latest version of the app (Version 2.2.0).  

I'm using Firefox as my browser some features aren't working for me: 

• We recommend using Chrome as your browser. This will ensure the best user experience on desktop.