VANCOUVER: BC Hydro continues to actively monitor the wildfire situation across the province as it relates to the electricity system.
Wildfires have caused power outages affecting customers in the Clinton, 100 Mile House, Cache Creek, and Boston Bar areas. BC Hydro is working closely with the BC Wildfire Service and other partner agencies to support firefighting efforts and assess damage to electrical infrastructure. Together, BC Hydro and the BC Wildfire Service are determining when it will be safe for crews to enter affected areas to conduct damage assessments and begin restoration work.
BC Hydro is aware that some customers in parts of the province may be experiencing occasional flickering lights. These events are being caused by ash and smoke from wildfires in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines, resulting in short and temporary interruptions to the flow of electricity on impacted lines. BC Hydro’s electrical grid is performing as expected during these challenging conditions posed by wildfires throughout British Columbia.
Safety is BC Hydro’s top priority, and it takes a year-round approach to wildfire preparedness to safeguard communities and our essential infrastructure. BC Hydro's engineers, system operators, line crews, wildfire specialists and field teams continuously monitor conditions, assess risks and implement mitigation measures to protect the electrical system and communities during wildfire season, and help maintain reliable service.
BC Hydro reminds customers that early preparation can make a significant difference during wildfire related emergencies, including evacuation orders or extended outages, and it recommends the following:
- Create an emergency kit: Assemble a grab-and-go kit with essential supplies and store it in an accessible, safe location. Regularly check that all items are well-stocked and functional. PreparedBC offers tips on the recommended contents.
- Develop an emergency plan: Share your plan with family members, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Power down if time allows: Unplug non-essential electrical appliances or locate and label the main electrical switch in your home ahead of time to safely turn it off if evacuation becomes necessary.
- Keep emergency contacts handy: Create a list of critical contact numbers, including fire, police, ambulance services and BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).
- Be FireSmart at home: Clearing gutters, moving flammable materials away from your home, and planting wildfire resistant vegetation are simple actions that can help protect your home. Taken together, these small steps strengthen the safety of whole neighbourhoods. Use the FireSmart Begins With You Guide to make your property and neighbourhood FireSmart.
Customers evacuated for five days or more may qualify for a bill credit for electricity used during that time. The credit is applied automatically, there is no need to call. Details are available at bchydro.com/getprepared or 1 800 BCHYDRO.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468