Wildfire Stress: Caring for Your Mental Health During Fire Season in Kelowna and Vernon

For many people in the Okanagan, wildfire season brings more than smoky skies.

It brings uncertainty.

Every new smoke plume, emergency alert, or evacuation notice can trigger fear, stress, and memories of previous wildfire seasons.

Whether you’ve lived through evacuations, experienced property loss, or simply find yourself checking wildfire updates every few minutes, you’re not alone.

The emotional impact of wildfire season is real, and it deserves just as much attention as our physical safety. Research and local experts continue to highlight that wildfire seasons can have lasting effects on mental health, including increased stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma responses.

If you’re looking for a broader understanding of emotional well-being, our guide to Mental Health in the Okanagan explores many of the challenges that affect people throughout our region.

Why Wildfires Affect Mental Health

Wildfires create a unique kind of stress.

Unlike many life challenges, they involve uncertainty that can change hour by hour.

You may find yourself wondering:

  • Will the fire get closer?
  • Should we prepare to leave?
  • Is the smoke safe?
  • Will my home still be there tomorrow?

Even if you’re not directly threatened, constant media coverage, smoky skies, and emergency alerts can keep your nervous system on high alert.

For many people who experienced major wildfire seasons such as the 2023 McDougall Creek Fire, new fires can bring back old fears and emotions. Those reactions are a normal response to stressful experiences.

Common Emotional Reactions

Everyone responds differently, but you may notice:

  • Feeling constantly on edge
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Racing thoughts
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability
  • Feeling emotionally exhausted
  • Increased anxiety
  • A sense of helplessness

You might also find yourself checking wildfire maps, weather forecasts, or social media far more often than usual.

While staying informed is important, constant monitoring can increase stress rather than reduce it.

Smoke Affects More Than Your Lungs

When smoke lingers for days or weeks, daily routines often change.

Outdoor activities are cancelled.

Windows stay closed.

Children remain indoors.

Exercise becomes more difficult.

Many people report feeling isolated, restless, or emotionally drained during prolonged periods of poor air quality.

Local health authorities encourage people to pay attention to both their physical and mental well-being during smoky conditions.

Ways to Care for Yourself During Wildfire Season

You may not be able to control the fire, but there are small steps that can help reduce stress.

Try to:

  • Check trusted wildfire updates once or twice a day instead of constantly.
  • Take breaks from social media if it increases your anxiety.
  • Keep a simple daily routine when possible.
  • Stay connected with family, friends, or neighbours.
  • Practice slow breathing or grounding exercises.
  • Focus on what you can prepare rather than everything that could happen.

Even a short walk indoors, reading a book, or talking with someone you trust can help your nervous system settle.

When Wildfire Season Brings Back Old Memories

For some people, wildfire season isn’t just stressful.

It’s a reminder of previous evacuations, losing a home, or worrying about loved ones.

You may notice stronger emotional reactions than those around you.

This doesn’t mean you’re “overreacting.”

Traumatic experiences can leave lasting emotional memories, and similar situations may bring those feelings back long after the original event has ended.

If you’ve noticed yourself feeling constantly on edge, our article on Living in Survival Mode explains why your nervous system may continue reacting even after the immediate danger has passed.

How Counselling Can Help

Counselling can’t stop a wildfire.

But it can help you navigate the emotional impact.

Together, you and your counsellor can explore ways to:

  • Manage anxiety
  • Process past wildfire experiences
  • Reduce overwhelm
  • Build healthy coping strategies
  • Regulate your nervous system
  • Feel more grounded during uncertain times

If wildfire season has left you feeling emotionally exhausted or constantly on alert, support is available.

Related Resources

You may also find these articles helpful:

A Gentle Next Step

Wildfire season can leave people carrying far more than the visible effects of smoke.

If you’re finding yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or struggling after recent wildfires in Kelowna, Vernon, West Kelowna, or elsewhere in the Okanagan, you don’t have to carry it alone.

Contact Orchard Valley Counselling if you’d like to explore whether counselling could support you through this season.