Wesley Ridge Wildfire

ESS Update: August 18 at 4 p.m.

Emergency Support Services

Emergency Support Services are no longer available. Emergency Support Services was available to those who were under Evacuation Order until 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. If you have outstanding questions related to support received for the Wesley Ridge Wildfire, call the provincial ESS call center at 1-800-387-4258, or go online via self-serve at ess.gov.bc.ca.  

If you have insurance, please work with your insurance provider before seeking Emergency Support Services. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or distressed, support is available from the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789.

How to Extend if You are Already Receiving Support

For Wesley Ridge evacuees on Evacuation Order and already receiving ESS supports, there is an extension through to Monday, August 18 at 11 a.m. Please call 1-800-387-4258 to secure your additional support. ESS support cannot be retroactively applied. Our team will be reaching out to those already registered today and tomorrow. If we’re unable to contact you, please visit the centre or call 1-800-387-4258.

How to Apply for Support if Not Yet Signed Up

For Wesley Ridge evacuees on Evacuation Order who have not yet applied for ESS support, you can receive support until Monday, August 18 at 11 a.m. You can register online at ess.gov.bc.ca. ESS support cannot be retroactively applied.  

Resiliency Services Support

Residents impacted by the Wesley Ridge Wildfire can find supports through the following organizations.

United Way British Columbia

Sometimes we all need extra support. Think about asking for more help if you are finding daily life difficult, especially when it is a few weeks after the crisis. You might also find you are better able to help others when you are doing well yourself. Visit uwbc.ca/emergency-response-resources for a variety of resources available and view the Emergencies are Stressful brochure.  

Parksville Salvation Army

Impacted residents can visit the Parksville Salvation Army located at 886 Wembley Road for food and other family services support. The Salvation Army will have a small supply of clean up kits available. Phone 250-248-8793 with any questions. You can also visit parksvillesalvationarmy.ca/ for general information about the Parksville Salvation Army.

Society of Organized Services (SOS)

SOS provides support for residents of District 69 facing unexpected hardships or financial emergency. Examples of assistance may include:

Food – essential groceries Propane for cooking and heat Laundry

In addition, the SOS shower program enables residents to come out of the heat or cold and enjoy a shower, complete with towels, toiletries and hygiene items. This FREE program runs Monday to Thursday from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. and is first come, first served.

  • Limited support with prescription medications
  • Change of clothes/basic supplies from SOS Thrift Shop
  • Advocacy including filling out government paperwork, printing, copying, and faxing

View SOS programs and services online. Email sos [at] sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093. 

Health Emergency Management BC

Wildfires and wildfire smoke can pose a health risk for residents, especially those with health conditions, young children or seniors.

For information to help you reduce your personal health risk, visit: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/environment/wildfires Residents can also visit the general Island Health website to search for the service they need at https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services.

If you are in urgent need of medical care, please call 911. If you require health care advice for a non-urgent concern, call HealthLink BC at 811.

Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert - None remain in effect 

As of August 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. the following order and alert has been removed:

  • The Evacuation Order for 35 properties that were on order has been lifted
  • The Evacuation Alert for 268 properties that were on alert has been lifted

Updated Evacuation Alert.

Updated Evacuation Order.

See the Public Notice for additional information.

Resident Re-Entry Information 

Returning home after a wildfire can be overwhelming. As you return home after the wildfire evacuation, please keep in mind that your community may look different than when you left it. 

Use caution and exercise good judgment when re-entering an area that was affected by the wildfire. Hazards may still exist, including hot spots that can flare up without warning.

Re-entry Safety Information

  • View the Re-Entry Package
  • Little Qualicum River Village is no longer on a Boil Water Notice, which was rescinded by Vancouver Island Health Authority, Friday, August 15, 2025.
  • Curbside service has fully resumed. 
  • Inspect your home carefully before entering. Watch for unstable structures, ash pits and fallen trees.
  • Mark ash pits for safety. Ash pits are holes full of hot ashes, created by burned trees and stumps. You can be seriously burned by falling into ash pits or landing in them with your hands or feets. Warm your family and neighbours to keep clear of the pits. 
  • Be mindful of danger trees and consider having an assessment done by a professional.
  • BC Hydro reports that homes in your area lost power during the wildfire evacuation order. If a home was without power for longer than 48 hours the food may be hazardous to consume; please reference your Island Health materials (in your welcome home package) for further guidance.
  • Thoroughly check for hazards before entering your house.
  • Exercise safety and caution when returning to a property by wearing items such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and rubber boots.
  • Wear an N-95 or equivalent dust mask (disposable face mask to filter dust and other air particulates) to reduce potential smoke exposure.
  • All spoiled food can be discarded as normal.

Health and Support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or distressed, support is available:

  • BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
  • A wildfire re-entry guide, created by Interior Health, is available under the Additional Information resources below.

Additional Information