Wildfire evacuation information for Indigenous peoples
Find out how to prepare for an emergency evacuation in the event of a wildfire.
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Prepare to evacuate
In the event of a possible emergency evacuation, make sure you and your family are prepared.
- Make an emergency plan with your family and have emergency kits ready with at least 72 hours of supplies.
- Check the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System for emergency situations near you.
- Stay informed of weather conditions and advisories in your area. Be especially aware of potentially triggering weather conditions.
- Contact your local municipal, provincial or territorial emergency management organization to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and procedures.
- Protect your home in case of an emergency evacuation event such as a wildfire.
- Download, print and share this checklist for help and access to supports:
When to evacuate
If there is an emergency event near your home or community and you must evacuate, you should:
- monitor the emergency through radio, television or local social media accounts for warnings or information about evacuation plans
- be ready to exercise your emergency plan. Take your emergency kit and other essential items with you if an evacuation order is issued or you have to leave your home
- follow the routes specified by officials. Don't take shortcuts. They could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area
For First Nations communities on reserves, consult ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program for additional resources and regional contact information.
Support for evacuees
For First Nations or Inuit who are evacuated here are a list of supports available to you:
Non-Insured Health Benefits program
If you have been evacuated from your community and need to refill or replace items that were covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program or you need to access other services covered under NIHB.
Temporary Confirmation of Registration Document (For Registered Status Indians Only)
If your status card is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed during an emergency, you can request a Temporary Confirmation of Registration Document (TCRD) at any regional office or by calling 1-800-567-9604. You should use the address of your evacuation location or temporary residence.
Hope for wellness helpline
Experienced and culturally competent counsellors provide mental health support to all Indigenous people across Canada by telephone 1-855-242-3310 and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Jordan's Principle
Jordan's Principle makes sure First Nations children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need.
Supporting Inuit Children
The Inuit Child First Initiative ensures Inuit children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need.
After an evacuation
After you've evacuated, you should follow evacuation orders and stay outside the evacuation zone.
- Wait until local officials determine it is safe to re-enter your home and community.
- If your home has been damaged, work with local authorities and professional engineers to assess the structural safety of your home. Only re-enter your home after authorities advise that it's safe to do so.