BC Transit and operating companies respond to wildfires and extreme heat

In recent weeks, extreme heat across most of the province has had significant and sometimes tragic consequences, including a growing number of destructive wildfires. BC Transit and our operating partners have supported many of the people and communities we serve with safe emergency transportation when needed.

“Conditions can change quickly and we are in constant communication with partner agencies and emergency services across the province to see how we can provide support,” said Nigel Couch, Manager of Security and Emergency Management for BC Transit. “At the same time we have to remain aware of how our facilities and operating companies could be impacted. We are monitoring the situation very closely.”

BC Transit has been preparing for the wildfire season proactively to identify needs, response capability and resources. Corporate Security and Emergency Management staff are working in collaboration with TCOMM and our partners to manage our response with the support of the Regional Operations Managers and Government Relations Managers.

Our Emergency Management team is also taking part in Provincial Regional Emergency Operation Centres and are attending multiple daily meetings to coordinate the support for evacuations if needed.

We are also being proactive with our operating companies to identify and mitigate risk around the Province. Regional Operations Managers, Government Relations Managers, and Fleet are working in collaboration with the Security and Emergency Management Team.

Below are some examples of how BC Transit and our operating companies have played an important role in keeping people safe during this challenging time.

Lytton – In support of Interior Health, neighboring operating companies were contacted to secure buses and operators for potential evacuations on June 30, including Merritt, Ashcroft, Princeton and Clearwater. This request was called off due to the rapid nature of the fire.

Castlegar – On July 1, a major fire was moving in the direction of senior care facilities in the area. NextGen Transit assisted with evacuation of residents from the Castleview Care Centre and Interior Health’s Talarico Place. Buses were also temporarily removed from the Castlegar transit facility as a precaution due to the fire’s location and direction.

Kelowna – BC Transit provided 20 bus passes to emergency social services in the region for use by evacuees. Daily communication with local social services is ongoing to identify potential additional support.

Along with wildfire response, BC Transit has supplied numerous safe buses throughout the province over last week to support transportation of seniors and support emergency services during the extreme temperatures:

Nanaimo – Emergency responders requesting the use of transit buses on June 29 to transport residents from a seniors centre to a safe location due to rising temperatures and air conditioning challenges in the facility. Residents and staff were transported to Oliver Woods Park which was set up as a cooling station.

Whistler – On June 29, the local Fire Department requesting a safe bus for emergency responders to seek refuge from extreme weather while on scene responding to a structure fire.

Vernon – High temperatures prompted the City of Vernon to use Kal Tire Place as a cooling station for vulnerable residents. FIRST Transit stepped up on short notice to provide safe, air conditioned transportation to the venue for seniors from personal residences and care facilities as needed. On demand service remained available from June 30 through July 4.


The wildfires and extreme heat have also personally impacted some employees with our operating companies, and our thoughts are with everyone that have experienced loss during this time.