AI-generated images of B.C. wildfires spark concern from officials | Daily Hive

AI-generated images, like these depicting aircraft battling massive wildfires in B.C., have been circulating on social media. (BC Wildfire Service/Facebook)

B.C. wildfires are the focus of a new warning from provincial officials, who say fake images created with artificial intelligence are circulating online and could mislead the public during emergencies.

Artificial intelligence-generated (AI) photos that look like real wildfires are being shared online, but they don’t match the actual terrain, fire size, or behaviour on the ground.

“Someone scrolling past could believe this image is real or accurate when it is not,” the BC Wildfire Service said in a recent Facebook post.

“Whether well-intentioned or intentionally misleading, misinformation is the last thing any of us needs during emergencies.”

The service says wildfire season is already a stressful time, and false or outdated information can make it worse, even causing people to take unnecessary risks.

How to make sure you’re getting the real story

Officials say the best time to decide where you’ll get emergency updates is before you need them. They suggest:

BC Wildfire Service app or online map shows near real-time details on fire size, location, perimeters, resources on site, and official photos.
Local emergency alert systems like Voyent Alert or Alertable send evacuation alerts or orders straight to your phone.
Trusted local news outlets, whether that’s a radio station, newspaper, or online publication, so you’re getting verified updates.

As of this week, there are approximately 130 active wildfires in B.C., up from about 60 just a week ago.

Only one is currently classified as a “wildfire of note”: the Wesley Ridge fire near Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island, which remains out of control and covers about 5.3 square kilometres.

Roughly 390 homes have been evacuated.

On the BC Wildfire Service’s Facebook post about the AI-generated images, many commenters expressed relief.

“Thank you and your amazing firefighters for all of your hard work every year, try to keep people and their property safe. You are true heroes!!” one person wrote.

Some Facebook users also raised concerns that the warning may downplay the role of grassroots networks during emergencies.

A commentator, who manages emergency and disaster-related online communities in the region, said peer-to-peer communication can be “crucial” during events.

In response, the BC Wildfire Service acknowledged the role social media groups can play in connecting and coordinating people during crises, but stressed the importance of accuracy.

“Consumers of this information should pay attention to the source and ensure it is as accurate as possible,” the officials replied.

“Turn a critical eye to content shared on social media in the heat of the moment,” the BC Wildfire Service said. “Check it against official sources before you share.”

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