Thousands of people have applied to be wildland firefighters in B.C., as the province prepares for whatever kind of wildfire season may lie ahead.

Environment Canada expects 2026 to be one of the hottest years on record. Meanwhile, B.C.’s River Forecast Centre says low snowpack in some regions could increase the potential for drought this spring and summer.

Last year, 1,370 wildfires burned more than 8,863 square kilometres of land in B.C., well above the province’s 10-year average, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

It was a hot, dry season, particularly at the end of August and beginning of September, which extended fire season into the fall.

After several tough wildfire seasons in recent years, the province says it is preparing.

“The threat of wildfire continues to grow and evolve, but so too does the B.C. Wildfire Service,” Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar said in a news release.

The province says about 2,400 people have applied for seasonal firefighter positions, and it’s given special urban wildfire training to more than 1,700 fire departments, First Nations and contractors.

The provincial government also says an “enhanced” equipment depot for storing firefighting equipment in Prince George will be ready in time for the 2026 season.

“Our crews are world class, but they need the right equipment and tools to do their job effectively,” Parmar said. “This depot in Prince George allows for more firefighting infrastructure and equipment to be stored in northern B.C. This means northern communities now have a larger depot at home, ready to move equipment through the area more efficiently.”

The province says it’s spent $14 million on firefighting equipment this year, including trucks and camp infrastructure, adding that it’s also acquired 10 trailers containing firefighting equipment.