Tech-Driven Wildfire Monitoring in the Robson Valley
A new wildfire tracking system has been launched to assist residents of Dunster, McBride, Cedarside, and nearby communities in navigating fire season with greater clarity. Created by members of the local forest management team, this digital dashboard offers updated wildfire information, empowering residents to make informed decisions during critical times.
Accessible at dunstercommunityforest.ca/dunster-wildfire-dashboard, the dashboard offers real-time wildfire data, including live updates synced with the BC Wildfire Service, plus exclusive local insights not found on the provincial site.
Customized Fire Tracking for Remote Communities
This modern dashboard provides detailed insights by integrating satellite data and municipal overlays. Among its key features are thermal hotspot indicators, volunteer zone boundaries, and emergency notice links—customized specifically for the unique needs of rural British Columbia. The platform stands out from typical provincial fire maps by offering an interactive experience that updates in near real-time.
Improving Local Response Capabilities
Beyond public use, the dashboard also enhances internal coordination for the Dunster wildfire volunteer team. It allows responders to view fire perimeters, track impacted properties, and act quickly during alerts. Information gathered through past community preparedness efforts helps responders prioritize outreach without compromising private data.
Strengthening Emergency Readiness
With support from regional funding, local fire responders have also expanded their resources. Equipment such as pumps, water tanks, and hoses are now available to support early response operations. The final addition, a transport trailer, is expected to arrive this spring alongside a training session to refresh volunteer readiness.
Wildfires in the Region: Recent Events
As wildfires continue to affect British Columbia, smaller communities have faced serious challenges. Localized tools like this dashboard play an important role in mitigating damage and improving emergency planning.
- Dunster-Croydon Fire (July 2024): An alert was issued for dozens of homes near Dunster as flames spread across 15 hectares. Residents were asked to prepare for possible evacuation.
- Beaver River Fire (July 2024): Evacuation orders affected multiple properties southeast of McBride when the fire doubled in size to 500 hectares.
- Teare Creek Fire (May 2023): A fast-moving wildfire near McBride expanded to over 1,100 hectares before containment efforts succeeded.
🔥 Recent Wildfire Events in the Robson Valley: Dunster, McBride, and Cedarside
In recent years, British Columbia has experienced increasingly intense wildfire seasons due to hotter, drier conditions linked to climate change. Smaller communities like Dunster and McBride face unique challenges, including limited access to emergency services. Local tools and preparedness initiatives are helpful in protecting lives, homes, and natural resources in rural regions.
1. Dunster-Croydon Wildfire (July 2024)
- An evacuation alert was declared for around 50 residences situated south of Dunster following the ignition of the Dunster-Croydon wildfire.
- The fire grew to cover an area of 15 hectares, prompting local authorities to issue precautionary measures, urging residents to stay alert and ready for potential evacuation orders.
2. Beaver River Wildfire (July 2024)
- In response to the rapid expansion of the Beaver River Wildfire, which surged from 240 to 500 hectares, an evacuation order was issued for ten properties located to the southeast of McBride.
- Local emergency management teams activated support services to assist those affected, providing necessary resources such as temporary housing, food, and relocation assistance for livestock.
3. Teare Creek Wildfire (May 2023)
- The Teare Creek wildfire, situated approximately four kilometers to the southeast of McBride, rapidly expanded and covered over 1,100 hectares before being contained.
- Following extensive firefighting efforts, the situation was brought under control, and evacuation notices were subsequently rescinded.
Sources of Wildfire Information
Some wildfires get more publicity than others. Recently, LA wildfires have gotten a significant amount of attention. You can read more about it on our site too.