Insurance, rebuilding and recovery support

Contact your insurance company or broker as soon as possible. Most insurers offer 24-hour claims service. Ask what expenses are covered, how long additional living expenses may be available and what approvals are required before cleanup, disposal or repairs.

• Photograph and record video of damage inside and outside before moving or cleaning anything.
• Create an inventory of damaged or destroyed belongings. Include model and serial numbers where possible.
• Keep damaged items unless they pose an immediate health hazard or your insurer authorizes disposal.
• Gather receipts, warranties, appraisals and earlier photographs that may support your claim.
• Keep a log of calls, advice, decisions, dates, expenses and the names of people you speak with.
• Keep every receipt related to cleanup, temporary accommodation, food, travel and other displacement costs and store them safely away from heat or sunlight so they don’t fade. Make any notes that might be helpful on the back of the receipt.
• Record the time you spend cleaning or protecting the property if your insurer asks for it.
• If you do not know your insurer: Call the Insurance Bureau of Canada Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-227-5422.

Supports depend on the incident, your circumstances and program eligibility. Contact the SLRD for current information at info@slrd.bc.ca. You may also contact the Canadian Red Cross, Emergency Support Services, 211 British Columbia and local community organizations.

If you were evacuated and need help with online self-registration for Emergency Support Services, call the B.C. Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258. Eligibility and available supports are incident specific.

• Speak with your insurer and the appropriate local building authority before beginning repairs. A Rapid Damage Assessment does not replace permits, engineering, environmental assessment or a full building inspection.
• Use reputable, appropriately licensed contractors. Ask your insurer, adjuster, neighbours or professional associations for referrals.
• Verify credentials, insurance and references. Be alert to scams and high-pressure sales tactics that might be used to take advantage of people affected by wildfire losses. 
• Ask for a detailed written estimate and a signed contract before work begins.
• Use traceable payment methods such as cheque or credit card. Do not pay the full amount in cash in advance.
• Check whether building, plumbing, electrical, gas, septic or development permits are required.
  • The SLRD successfully amended its building bylaw to reduce building permit costs for the reconstruction of property damaged in an event declared a provincial or local emergency. The new policy reduces the cost of applying for a building permit to rebuild in affected areas by 30 per cent within a three-year window of the emergency being declared, whether on a provincial or local level. The reduction in fees is limited to documented damage that is linked to the emergency, as assessed.
  • Be aware the SLRD screens all building permit applications to be able to advise property owners if their property requires a Site Alteration Permit (SAP) under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). 
• Have damaged utilities repaired under permit and inspected by the responsible agency.
• Discuss resilient rebuilding options with your insurer, designer, contractor and local building authority.

Wildfires can affect livestock, feed, pasture, crops, fencing, irrigation, wells, equipment, access roads and farm businesses. Document impacts and costs as soon as it is safe, and seek advice early.

Document impacts and protect food safety

• Photograph damage to animals, pasture, crops, fencing, buildings, equipment, irrigation, water systems, roads and drainage.
• Keep records of livestock movements, feed, water, veterinary care, transportation, boarding, fencing and other emergency costs.
• Do not sell or consume food exposed to smoke, ash, soot, fire retardant, firefighting water, unsafe temperatures or other contamination.
• Have private water systems inspected and tested where damage or contamination is possible.
• Ask a veterinarian about animal health concerns and AgriService BC about feed or farm food safety questions.

Programs and support

• AgriService BC can help producers identify programs and access technical advice and agricultural resources. Call 1-888-221-7141 or email AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca.
• AgriStability may assist eligible producers with a significant whole-farm income decline. Call 1-877-343-2767 or email AgriStability@gov.bc.ca.
• AgSafe BC Mental Wellness Initiative

Land and pasture recovery

• Burned and disturbed areas may be vulnerable to erosion, flooding, landslides and invasive plants.
• Seek site-specific advice before reseeding, grading, changing drainage or disturbing streamside areas.
• Use appropriate seed mixes, timing and erosion-control methods for the site.
• Inspect fences, gates, water systems and access routes before returning animals to an area.

Returning home can bring relief, anxiety, sadness, anger and uncertainty. Seeing damage or losing irreplaceable belongings can be deeply upsetting. These are common responses to a stressful event. Recovery often takes longer than expected.

• Create a support network of family, friends, neighbours, community members, Elders or professionals.
• Take breaks from cleanup and decision-making. Focus on immediate priorities rather than trying to solve everything at once.
• Keep routines where possible, including regular meals, sleep and time away from the affected property.
• Seek help if distress becomes overwhelming, does not improve or interferes with daily life.

Support lines

• B.C. Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789, no area code required
• KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
• 211 British Columbia: call or text 2-1-1 for community, financial, housing and social-service referrals
• First Nations Health Authority Health Benefits: 1-855-550-5454 for eligible clients needing health services, medications, supplies or equipment
• AgSafe BC Mental Wellness Initiative

The SLRD spans two regional health authorities. Follow the health authority directions issued for your community. Electoral Areas A and B are served by Interior Health. Electoral Areas C and D are served by Vancouver Coastal Health. First Nations communities may also receive support from the First Nations Health Authority.

• Interior Health: health, food, water and environmental health information
• Vancouver Coastal Health: health and environmental health information
• First Nations Health Authority wildfire response: health benefits, mental health and culturally safe supports