Anxiety and Wildfire stress 

Sep 8, 2025

Smoke has finally made its way into the South Cariboo skies, and while our wildfire season arrived later than usual this year, the stress and anxiety it brings are all too familiar. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The uncertainty, the smoke, and the constant updates can take a toll on our mental health.

I wasn’t here for the intensity and chaos of the 2017 wildfires but hearing people’s vivid and fear-filled stories gives me a glimpse into just how terrifying that time was. In recent years, we’ve seen wildfire smoke roll into town early in the season, and even when there’s no immediate threat nearby, the smell alone can stir up painful memories and trigger fear and anxiety. 

As wildfires, heat domes, flooding, and other extreme weather events become more frequent, they’re not just environmental events — they’re mental health events too. These experiences can leave emotional imprints that resurface year after year. 

Keep Stress in Check 
Anxiety and stress can take a toll on both your physical and mental well-being. Try to drink more water, get a bit more movement into your day, and eat nutritious foods. Prioritize rest— getting a good night’s sleep helps your body recharge and keeps your mind sharp and more resilient. 

Be Prepared 
Having a plan in place before any real wildfire threats arise can reduce panic and help you stay grounded. It prevents last-minute scrambling if an evacuation alert or order is issued. Write your plan down and review it with everyone in your household. Your plan can include things like different evacuation routes, meeting spots, getting medications ready, signing up for your district’s alert services if available, and taking into account any special needs for any other members of your family. You can also assign tasks to each household member so there’s no confusion when the time comes. 

If you have pets or livestock, include them in your plan. Think ahead about where they can go, and have food, water, and transport options ready just in case. 

Pack Only the Essentials 
When it comes to evacuation, less is more. It’s natural to want to take items with sentimental value, but in the moment, space and time may be limited. Stick to the essentials — important documents, ID, medications, a spare phone charger, a few changes of clothes, and anything else you can reasonably carry. If it’s available to you, pack enough supplies like water and lite food to last 72 hours. Having a go-bag packed ahead of time and tucked away can offer peace of mind, knowing you’re ready to grab it and go if needed. 

Check in on each other. 
In times of crisis, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but don’t forget to check in with those around you. Seniors and people living alone can be especially vulnerable, often struggling in silence or afraid to ask for help. A quick phone call or knock on the door can make a world of difference. And just as importantly — check in with yourself. How are you coping? Have you had enough water? Do you need support? Tending to your own well-being puts you in a better position to offer help to others. 

These small steps can help reduce some of the mental weight that wildfire season may bring. Preparedness and self-care go hand-in-hand when it comes to protecting your mental health. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you. 

For more information on how to prepare for a wildfire alert or evacuations, the following websites have some very helpful information:  

https://www.fness.bc.ca/how-to-prepare-for-an-emergency-during-wildfire-season/

https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/wldfrs-prp-en.aspx

We want to hear from you. 
CMHA South Cariboo is conducting a short, confidential survey to better understand how wildfires and extreme weather are impacting the mental well-being of people in our region. It only takes 5 minutes, and your input will help shape the way we support our community going forward. 

Take the survey here: https://southcariboo.cmha.bc.ca/impact/climate-mental-health-impacts-task-force/    

Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it. 

If you need support, you can: 

• Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. 

• Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273. 

• Call the Suicide Crisis Line at 9-8-8. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Written by: Kristin Buxton