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Thousands of people have applied to be wildland firefighters in B.C., as the province prepares for whatever kind of wildfire season may lie ahead. Environment Canada expects 2026 to be one of the hottest years on record. Meanwhile, B.C.’s River Forecast Centre says low snowpack in some regions could increase the potential for drought this spring and summer. Last year, 1,370 wildfires burned more than 8,863 square kilometres of land in B.C., well above the province’s 10-year average, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. It was a hot, dry season, particularly at the end of August and beginning of September, which extended fire season into the fall. After several tough wildfire seasons in recent years, the province says it is preparing. …The province says about 2,400 people have applied for seasonal firefighter positions, and it’s given special urban wildfire training to more than 1,700 fire departments, First Nations and contractors.

• Government of BC press release by Ministry of Forests: Preparing for 2026 wildfire season
• CFJC Today, by Michael Reeve: Forests minister touts investment into BC Wildfire Service during stop in Kamloops