In the aftermath of wildfires, we often see fireweed emerge from the ashes as the first sign of recovery. Even in areas severely affected by wildfires, this strong, resilient wildflower grows and blooms.

That type of regeneration, even in the harshest and most unforgiving of environments, is also embodied by the people of BC. Every year, our communities are confronted and our lives affected by wildfires. Hundreds of volunteer firefighters show great bravery, stepping into hostile situations to defend our homes and protect our local communities.

The BCAA Fireweed Pin symbolizes our collective strength in the face of wildfires and our ability to recover and rebuild together. Due to high demand, our first wave of pins sold out – but now they are back in stock, so get yours while quantities last! By wearing the pin, you’re not just showing support – you’re making a real impact. 100% of the proceeds from every pin sold will go towards organizations that help BC recover from wildfires.

Where can I get a BCAA Fireweed Pin?

You can take a simple action to support wildfire recovery in BC by wearing the BCAA Fireweed Pin, available for $5 from BCAA Service Locations and Auto Service Centres across BC for a limited time while quantities last.

How does the BCAA Fireweed Pin help defend against wildfires?

As part of BCAA’s Defending Against Wildfires flagship program, which includes a suite of initiatives aimed at helping our province become more resilient before, during and after wildfire events, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the BCAA Fireweed Pin will be donated to non-profit organizations that help our communities deal with the impacts of wildfires so they can build back stronger, including:

• United Way BC's Wildfire Recovery Fund: The fund addresses immediate and ongoing needs that are critical to BC residents as they recover emotionally and physically from wildfires in our local communities. Funds go towards addressing needs such as food and social infrastructure.
• Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver-Fraser (Resilient Minds®): The Resilient Minds® program helps first responders build their mental resilience and recover from the psychological effects of protecting their communities. Funds will ensure more BC volunteer firefighters who have limited access to resilience training opportunities get the critical support that they need, helping to strengthen BC’s firefighting capacity.

Who designed the BCAA Fireweed Pin?

The pin artwork was designed by Quw’utsun Tribes artist Charlene Johnny, honouring the significance of fireweed to Indigenous peoples. You can learn more about fireweed and the artwork in the video below.

How to stay prepared for BC wildfire season

BC experiences an average of 1,600 wildfires per year, some more destructive than others. As we head towards the warmer and drier months, the threat of wildfire increases, but prevention and preparedness never stops.

It’s not only rural and forested areas that are impacted by wildfires. Burning embers can be carried by winds and ignite kilometres away from the source of a wildfire, so it’s important to be prepared. Here are five ways you can equip yourself and your family for wildfire season:

1. Make an emergency plan: Evacuations can happen within a moment’s notice, so make a plan and make sure your family knows it, including how you would communicate in an emergency situation and where to meet if you get separated. Have an out-of-town contact prepared.
2. Create a grab and go bag: Build an emergency kit that you can sustain your family for 72 hours. Include essentials, like medications and items to comfort kids and pets. BCAA Members save 20%, on select emergency kits with our rewards partner F.A.S.T.
3. Clear a 10m defensible space around your home: Remove sources of fuel, clean your gutters, roof and under your deck, create space between trees and your home and plant fire-resistant plants to slow down the spread of fire.
4. Review your insurance coverage: Make sure you understand your insurance coverages, including for your home and all vehicles on your property. It’s difficult to get insurance while a disaster is unfolding, so check if you need to update your policies. Read our BC wildfire insurance tips for more info.
5. Get a FREE FireSmart™ wildfire property assessment: Those living in eligible areas can complete a free FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Program property assessment and receive a tailored list of recommendations to reduce your home’s risk to wildfires. By getting this assessment, you also save on BCAA Home Insurance* as part of the BCAA FireSmart Initiative.

Find out more about wildfire prevention and what do if a wildfire is close to your home.

Together, BC is Ours to Protect

At BCAA, we believe in the power of community and, together, BC is Ours to Protect. Support wildfire recovery in BC by wearing a BCAA Fireweed Pin and keep these wildfire prevention and preparedness tips top of mind. Let’s work together to protect our province and the people who call it home.

Find out more about BCAA’s commitment to creating a better BC, together, here.

^{*Home Insurance is sold through B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd. dba BCAA Insurance Agency, a licensed insurance agency, and underwritten by BCAA Insurance Corporation. Save $100 offer is available for both new and renewing BCAA customers upon completion of a FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program home assessment. An additional savings of 5% is available upon presentation of a FireSmart Home Partners Wildfire Mitigation Program Certificate of Completion. Offer subject to change and is valid from August 15, 2023 to March 31, 2026}