1,706 wildfires in B.C. in 2013 compare to 1659 last year, most of the fires were easily contained at a cost so far of $124 million, compared to the $133.6 million spent on firefighting operations last year and 53.5 million dollars in 2011.

Tankers, other planes and many crews are fighting fires south of the border which produces revenue for the Wildfire Branch.

The average annual number of wildfires over 10 years is 1922. Average cost 161 million dollars a year. Kamloops fire district is the busiest area with 451/1706 fires.

B.C. Wildfire Management Branch statistics indicate that so far this year 11,556 hectares have been burned compared to 102,123 hectares burned in 2012 less than the average damage of more than 130,000 hectares.

On average 40% of wildfires caused by people – the remainder by lightening.

Current Statistics

Total Fires to Date
(current fiscal year) 1,706
Last year 1659
2011 655
Total Area Burned (Ha.)
(current fiscal year) 11,536
Last year 102,123
2011 12,604