Your EMO eNews

August 6, 2025

PARKSVILLE - QUALICUM BEACH

COMMUNITY UPDATE

This issue of EMO Enews will focus on wildfire information, specifically related to the Wesley Ridge wildfire. It is important to know where to find updates and accurate information.

What you need to know

The BC Wildfire Service is continuing to respond to the wildfire on the north shore of Cameron Lake. Evacuation Orders and Alerts are currently in effect and may be viewed on both BC Wildfire Service and the RDN websites.

The Regional District of Nanaimo is coordinating the emergency response and is the primary source for all official information on the Wesley Ridge wildfire.

For the most current information, refer to visit:

BC Wildfire Bulletin - Updates, photos and maps
RDN website - Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders
RDN Q&A - Answers to common questions

The RDN is asking residents to support response efforts in the following ways:

Stay away from the fire area to avoid hindering emergency crews
Not fly drones in the area
Avoid unnecessary stops along the highway
Refrain from bringing food or supplies to the Reception Centre (Oceanside Emergency Support Services are unable to accept donations of food, goods, or services)
Report smoke or fire by calling 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone

The RDN also posts information to their social media channels:

Facebook
X

This information was posted by the RDN yesterday in response to inquiries by the public wishing to help:

“At this time, we respectfully ask that only evacuees and those supporting them go to the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. We ask that the public and media do not visit or bring donations to the ESS Reception Centre. A friendly reminder we are also not able to accept food, goods or services. Once again, thank you to everyone who has shown support for those deeply affected by the Wesley Ridge wildfire.”

Information from BC Wildfire Service

Passing along this information posted by BCWS to Facebook on August 5.

During wildfire season, people turn to social media for updates and to share information. This can be a time of fear and anxiety and during times of concern misinformation can spread quickly and add to the uncertainty.

Whether well-intentioned or intentionally misleading, misinformation is the last thing any of us need during emergencies.

It is more important now than ever before to ensure you are seeking official sources of wildfire and emergency information and turning a critical eye to content shared on social media in the heat of the moment.

In the photos below, you can see images generated with artificial intelligence that were shared by other accounts and seemingly show recent wildfires. However, they do not accurately represent the terrain, fire size or fire behaviour in the area. Someone scrolling past could believe this image is real or accurate when it is not.

The best time to identify your own trusted sources is before you need them. Some sources to consider are:

Downloading the BC Wildfire Service App or visiting our online map gives you nearly real-time information on wildfires sizes, what resources are responding, perimeters, images and more.
Signing up for a local emergency alert system such as Voyent Alert or Alertable can ensure you are informed of evacuation alerts or orders as soon as possible, check with your local government for details.
Identifying at least one local news source that you trust such as a radio station or newspaper gives you another channel to receive updates about what is happening nearby.

Information from ICBC

Passing along information shared by ICBC on staying safe this wildfire season. There’s emergency preparedness, driving tips, insurance coverage, identification, and claims to help you prepare this wildfire season. For people who live in areas prone to wildfires, or will be travelling to these areas, it’s important to be prepared. Before setting out on a trip, travellers should refer to the Drive BC website.

MAKE A PLAN

Pack your essentials into a grab-and-go kit and create an emergency plan for your household in advance. If you need to prepare for a possible evacuation, locate and pack important documents to avoid having to replace them if they get damaged. These documents may include:

Identification such as your BC driver’s licence, BC identification card, BC Services Card, passport, and original copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate and Canadian citizenship documentation.
A copy of your vehicle registration, licence and Autoplan insurance documents.
Other documents such as a copy of your home insurance policy and banking/financial information – or anything you may not be able to access remotely or online.
If you’ll be travelling to another region of the province, check DriveBC.ca for the latest road conditions and EmergencyInfoBC.ca for information about areas under evacuation alerts and orders. Avoid driving to areas with active wildfires including those with evacuation orders or alerts. If needed, plan alternate routes if the road you need to use is closed.
If there is a wildfire near you, the most important thing you can do is follow all evacuation alerts and orders, and follow instructions from your local authority.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

In BC, vehicle damage caused by wildfires is covered by optional insurance coverages – comprehensive or specified perils – which are available from ICBC and other insurers. Most BC drivers have optional insurance coverage for wildfires. If you don’t, or if your policy has expired or lapsed, talk to an Autoplan broker before you face the risk of a wildfire.

If you’re placed on evacuation alert or ordered to evacuate, you won’t be able to purchase new comprehensive or specified perils coverage or certain other optional own damage coverages until the alert or order has been lifted or you have moved your vehicle from the designated evacuation order or alert zone.

If your vehicle is uninsured and you’re placed on an evacuation alert or order, you can purchase basic insurance coverage on a temporary operation permit to move your vehicle to safety. We encourage customers in this situation to contact an Autoplan broker that can assist by phone and email. For more information about insurance coverage and restrictions in affected areas, please contact an Autoplan broker.

REPLACEMENT IDENTIFICATION

If a wildfire forces you to evacuate and you lose your BC driver’s licence, BC Services Card, or other BC identification, we can issue free replacement identification without the need to present additional identification documents (some exceptions may apply).

Visit your nearest ICBC driver licensing office to get replacement identification. You can find up-to-date information on office hours and locations here. If you’re unable to visit a driver licensing office, we’ll try to assist you by phone at 1 800 950-1498. We’re available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm or Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

REPORT A CLAIM

If you need to report an auto insurance claim related to wildfire damage, you can do so online or by phone at 1 800 910-4222. Our claims team is available to support you.