If there is a wildfire in Ladysmith or the immediate surrounding area, please visit emcowichan.ca for the latest information.

WILDFIRES IN LADYSMITH

Unfortunately, wildfires are a threatening reality not just in British Columbia, but Ladysmith. Our region's dry summers and forested landscape, combined with a changing climate make wildfires an unfortunate and unavoidable part of life in this area.

In 2021, the threat became very real when a wildfire ignited on Mt. Hayes, approximately 4.5 kilometres northwest of Ladysmith. The fire quickly spread, eventually growing to over 70 hectares in size before it was brought under control and extinguished.

Fortunately, there were no injuries or significant property losses—a local state of emergency had to be implemented, and evacuation alerts were issued to nearby residents—but the Mt. Hayes fire highlighted the potential dangers and the need for ongoing vigilance and community readiness.

If another wildfire impacts the Ladysmith area, our region is better prepared than in 2021 thanks to the creation of Emergency Management Cowichan (EM Cowichan) in 2023.

EM Cowichan is the lead agency responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, and recovery in both the Town of Ladysmith and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

WILDFIRES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Sadly, wildfires occur throughout British Columbia almost all year-round.

For the latest information about wildfire activity in British Columbia, including details about specific wildfires, fire response efforts, and fire danger ratings across the province, visit wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map.