[Info Bulletin] Supporting evacuees update & More support for people affected by wildfire smoke

Originally published: Aug 15, 2026 from two news announcements from Government of BC

Supporting evacuees update

More support for people affected by wildfire smoke

Summary of important information below.

Supporting evacuees update

Accommodation continues to be available for people evacuated who need it.

As of Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, government has more than 1,500 block-booked hotel rooms that are available for evacuees.

Those looking for a referral to a hotel must go to a reception centre. The Province recognizes that hotel rooms may not meet everyone’s needs, such as those with pets. People are encouraged to go to the reception centre where volunteers can help with the accommodations options that will best meet their needs. Group lodging spaces also continue to be available.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) accommodation options may include one of the following:

• a referral to a hotel room block-booked by the Province: people must receive a referral from the reception centre
• access to group lodgings
• a $200 e-transfer for those who choose other accommodation options, such as a hotel in a different community, camping or staying with family or friends.

Renewing Emergency Support Services

ESS supports must be renewed after one week. People still under evacuation order who would like to continue receiving the $200 e-transfer are encouraged to renew by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This can be done on or before the expiry date. Be patient as wait times may increase with many people renewing supports over the weekend.

Those who would like a hotel referral instead of the $200 e-transfer should visit a reception centre.

People are also encouraged to contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance policies include coverage for fire damage and losses, including from wildfires, and can support with living expenses while evacuated.

More support for people affected by wildfire smoke

On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 respirator masks and medical masks to Canadian organizations located in communities that may be affected by wildfire smoke, respiratory viruses or other public-health events requiring personal protective equipment.

List of communities where masks are available

N95 respirators masks are effective at reducing exposure to particulate pollution, such as wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses. N95 respirator masks may be available for free, while supplies last. People can visit the following locations to get masks:

Community Futures Sun Country

Address: 203 Railway Ave., Ashcroft

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday.

Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Area Association

Address: 202-246 Second Ave., Kamloops

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday.

Kamloops North Shore BIA

Address: 115 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The Salvation Army

Address: 344 Poplar St. N, Kamloops

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Ask staff for masks.

University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus

Address: 3287 University Way, Kelowna

Masks are available at the Campus Security Dispatch Office.

Lake Country Health Planning Society

Address: 10080 Main St. N, Lake Country

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society

Address: 1999 Garcia St., Merritt

Hours: 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

District of Peachland

Address: 4450 6th St., Peachland

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

Parm Bains Constituency Office

Address: Unit 230, 11331 Coppersmith Way, Richmond

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday.

Cariboo Friendship Society

Address: 99 3rd Avenue S, Williams Lake

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.

Neskonlith Indian Band

Address: 705 Chief Neskonlith Dr., Chase