Creston ranks wildfire as its top community risk
Wildfire risk in Creston is rising as the town plans for major fire threats See how officials are preparing homes, neighborhoods and emergency response
Creston, B.C., has identified wildfire as the highest risk in a new assessment of 51 potential hazards facing the town.
The review, prepared ahead of new provincial emergency management rules that take effect in January 2027, also considers floods, extreme heat, drought and wastewater problems. Officials said wildfire stood out because of the town’s mountain setting, surrounding forests and the potential impact of a major fire reaching the community.
Emergency planners say the assessment is not a forecast for a single fire season, but a longterm planning tool. They point to climate change, dry conditions and the fact that much of Creston sits in the wildlandurban interface, with about 73% of that area privately owned. The town is using the findings to guide emergency planning, home assessments and FireSmart education as officials work to prepare before a larger fire occurs.