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4
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November 20, 2025
Western Canada Wildfires – Resources and Supports
By
Ranko Vukovic
A few weeks ago, we watched on in horror as the town of Lytton, BC, was ravaged by a wildfire that destroyed 90 per cent of the town and cost the lives of two local residents. This tragedy has so far headlined a potentially record-breaking wildfire season in Canada. Hundreds of fires are currently burning out of control, forcing evacuations and blanketing our skies with smoke.
We’ve seen the impact of these fires up close, with many of our team members assisting in evacuations and support in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. We are so thankful to these hard working and dedicated security professionals for going above and beyond to service their community.
During this challenging time, there are several resources available to residents and business owners to help manage the day-to-day situation, while also planning for any potential rebuild. We’ve gathered these resources below in one easy to reference blog.
Government of Canada - Get Prepared
The Government of Canada’s Get Prepared hub contains practical advice, statistics and resources for how to prepare for, and deal with, wildfires.
Helpful Links
Provincial and Territorial Information
Each province and territory is responsible for managing their wildfires in cooperation with local authorities. In some cases, the federal government may be asked to assist. The majority of these provinces and territories have information online on the fire situation in their area. Find links for your Province below.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Fire Smoke Forecast – Firesmoke.ca
Learn the forecast for air quality and smoke particles in your area on the Fire Smoke website. Data is updated regularly, with forecasts available for the next 48 hours.
Canadian Red Cross – Wildfire Centre
The Canadian Red Cross are a non-profit with decades of frontline emergency response in our country, and globally through their various international organizations.
Visit the Canadian Red Cross for information on how to create an emergency plan for Wildfires, and key steps for what to do before, during and after a wildfire.
The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia will each match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross to support wildfire relief in British Columbia. That means that every $1 donated, $3 will go to those affected by the wildfires.
Canadian Red Cross Disaster Relief
If you’ve been personally impacted by wildfires and require assistance, the Canadian Red Cross can provide food, shelter, clothing and essential supplies for up to 72 hours. Contact them at the following numbers:
Alberta
1-888-800-6493
British Columbia
1-888-800-6493
Manitoba
1-888-800-6493
New Brunswick
1-800-222-9597
Newfoundland and Labrador
1-800-222-9597
Nova Scotia
1-800-222-9597
Northwest Territories
1-888-800-6493
Nunavut
1-888-800-6493
Ontario
1-800-850-5090
Prince Edward Island
1-800-222-9597
Quebec
1-877-362-2433
Saskatchewan
1-888-800-6493
Yukon
1-888-800-6493
FireSmart Canada
FireSmart Canada leads the development of resources and programs designed to empower the public and increase neighbourhood resilience to wildfire across Canada.
BC Economic Development Association – 10 Steps to Prepare Your Business for Evacuation
If your business is on alert for evacuation, BCEDA have gathered 10 essential steps to prepare your business for disruption and quick return.
Blackbird Security
Blackbird Security can offer frontline support for evacuation efforts and other security needs during wildfire season. In recent weeks, we’ve been honoured to aid frontline evacuation efforts in the Okanagan region of BC. Across Canada, we have dedicated security professionals ready whenever and wherever they are needed. Most of our security guards possess Occupational First Aid (OFA) certification, and receive dedicated training in areas such as customer service and incident de-escalation.
Whether you’re based in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario, we can provide professional security guards and security services on terms that work for your unique needs.
With British Columbia hardest hit by the recent wildfires, our team is available on short notice to assist in the following towns and cities:
- Kelowna
- Penticton
- Vernon
- Osoyoos
- Oliver
- Kootenays
- Lower Mainland
- Fraser Valley
- Victoria
- Duncan
- Nanaimo
- Parksville
- Courtenay
- Campbell River
- Port Alberni
Work with Blackbird Security
Blackbird Security is the fastest growing security company in Canada. If you’re interested in upgrading your security services, we’d love to hear from you. We offer the following range of services to clients:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What services do security companies offer?
At Blackbird Security, we offer a range of security services, such as:
- On-site uniform security
- Luxury suit & tie security
- Mobile patrols
- Alarm response
- Access control
- CCTV monitoring
- Event security
- Loss prevention (undercover security)
- Tactical Security
- Concierge/Front Desk Security
- Executive Protection
- Office & Facilities Security
- Government Security
- Parking Enforcement
- Residential Security
These services work in unison to safeguard businesses, people, and assets, offering peace of mind and comprehensive protection.At Blackbird Security, we are industry leaders in providing all of these services. Our expertise ensures tailored security solutions that meet your specific requirements. Browse further to learn more: Blackbird Security Services - Blackbird Security
- On-site uniform security
- Luxury suit & tie security
- Mobile patrols
- Alarm response
- Access control
- CCTV monitoring
- Event security
- Loss prevention (undercover security)
- Tactical Security
- Concierge/Front Desk Security
- Executive Protection
- Office & Facilities Security
- Government Security
- Parking Enforcement
- Residential Security
These services work in unison to safeguard businesses, people, and assets, offering peace of mind and comprehensive protection.At Blackbird Security, we are industry leaders in providing all of these services. Our expertise ensures tailored security solutions that meet your specific requirements. Browse further to learn more: Blackbird Security Services - Blackbird Security
Can security services be customized?
Many providers offer standard security programs, but Blackbird Security emphasizes a collaborative approach to customization. By considering factors such as your industry, location, size, and specific risks, we work closely with you to design security strategies that fit your needs. This might include adjusting patrol schedules, reporting frequency, or tailoring patrol routes to align with your operations.This is possible through our dedicated Client Services team as well as our in-house Control Centre and Reporting teams. Customization is a fundamental part of how we provide effective and seamless security solutions
Are security providers in Canada regulated?
Yes, most countries and regions (including Canada) have licensing bodies and regulations that govern security providers. Check local laws to ensure your provider complies with these standards.
How do I measure the effectiveness of security measures?
Measuring the effectiveness of security measures involves tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate how well systems and personnel are meeting safety and asset protection goals. Start by analyzing incident response times, reductions in theft, vandalism, or shrinkage, and overall resolution rates for reported issues. Comparing pre- and post-implementation data helps demonstrate tangible improvements in safety and loss prevention. Regular audits, surveys, and risk assessment reports can also gauge the reliability and perception of security measures.
Key KPIs to track include:
- Incident response times: Faster responses to alarms or emergencies.
- Reduction in theft/vandalism: Compare loss data before and after implementation.
- Patrol compliance: Track patrol frequency and adherence via GPS or logs.
- False alarm rates: Lower rates ensure focus on real threats.
- Client/Employee satisfaction: Gather feedback to measure confidence in security.
- Client services: Dedicated account representative who supports ongoing needs & can adjust strategy as needed
Key KPIs to track include:
- Incident response times: Faster responses to alarms or emergencies.
- Reduction in theft/vandalism: Compare loss data before and after implementation.
- Patrol compliance: Track patrol frequency and adherence via GPS or logs.
- False alarm rates: Lower rates ensure focus on real threats.
- Client/Employee satisfaction: Gather feedback to measure confidence in security.
- Client services: Dedicated account representative who supports ongoing needs & can adjust strategy as needed
What level of support can I expect from Blackbird Security
We ensure all of our clients have the utmost support for their businesses, and there's a few ways we do this:
- Allowing access to our 24/7 Control centre for all clients, which is based out of our head office in Vancouver, BC. Clients can call this centre and have a mobile guard swiftly deployed to their business for any spontaneous incidents that occur. We believe in operating it inhouse to ensure all services are streamlined and optimized for the best communication. Our control canter can be reached at this number for current clients: 1-888-991-2622.
- We have a dedicated client services team which directly communicates with clients on a day-to-day basis. Our client services often perform site check ups and can assist with any issues that arise at your business.
Your peace of mind is our priority. We’re more than a service provider—we’re a partner in protecting your business. With our team working tirelessly to anticipate and resolve challenges, you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing we’re always here to support you. Together, we build safer environments and stronger partnerships, every step of the way.
- Allowing access to our 24/7 Control centre for all clients, which is based out of our head office in Vancouver, BC. Clients can call this centre and have a mobile guard swiftly deployed to their business for any spontaneous incidents that occur. We believe in operating it inhouse to ensure all services are streamlined and optimized for the best communication. Our control canter can be reached at this number for current clients: 1-888-991-2622.
- We have a dedicated client services team which directly communicates with clients on a day-to-day basis. Our client services often perform site check ups and can assist with any issues that arise at your business.
Your peace of mind is our priority. We’re more than a service provider—we’re a partner in protecting your business. With our team working tirelessly to anticipate and resolve challenges, you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing we’re always here to support you. Together, we build safer environments and stronger partnerships, every step of the way.
Secure Your Operation Today
Talk to our security experts about protecting your facility. We’ll assess your needs and build a plan that works.
Our Business is Protecting Yours.