Members should prioritize personal safety and follow all instructions issued by local authorities. Monitor official emergency information before travelling to properties, scheduling showings or advising clients about property access.

Members are also encouraged to:

• Confirm property access before travelling to an affected area.
• Cancel or reschedule showings when conditions may be unsafe.
• Keep clients informed about access or scheduling changes.
• Maintain records of important client instructions and communications.
• Speak with their managing broker when a transaction may be affected.
• Share information from official sources.

Members should not enter an area under an evacuation order. Follow all access restrictions and directions from emergency officials.

An evacuation alert means people should be prepared to leave on short notice. Before considering a property visit, confirm current conditions and access requirements through the appropriate local authority. Members should prioritize safety and consider rescheduling the showing.

Members can help buyers understand how wildfire conditions may affect property access, inspections, appraisals, financing, insurance and transaction timelines.

Buyers should be encouraged to speak with an insurance provider early in the process. Where appropriate, members should discuss insurance related contract considerations with their managing broker and recommend that clients obtain independent legal advice.

Members can keep sellers informed about showing changes, property access restrictions and possible effects on active transactions.

Sellers should be encouraged to follow instructions from local authorities, keep important property and insurance documents accessible and notify their REALTOR® of any known change to the property’s condition.

Speak with your managing broker as soon as possible. Consider whether the wildfire may affect inspections, appraisals, insurance, financing, completion, possession or access to the property.

Members should avoid providing legal or insurance advice. Clients should be directed to their lawyer, notary, lender or licensed insurance professional for advice specific to their situation.

Any known change to the property’s condition should be raised promptly with the managing broker and the appropriate parties. Buyers and sellers may need advice from legal, insurance, inspection or other qualified professionals.

Members should document relevant communications and follow the direction of their managing broker.

Wildfire conditions may affect the availability or timing of new property insurance coverage. Buyers should contact a licensed insurance professional as early as possible and confirm that suitable coverage can be obtained.

Where insurance may affect financing or a contract condition, members should speak with their managing broker and encourage the buyer to obtain appropriate legal and insurance advice.

Contact affected clients and other parties as soon as possible. Explain that the change is related to current safety conditions or access restrictions. Avoid making assumptions about when access will resume.

Direct clients to official emergency information and document any instructions that may affect the listing or transaction.

Members who are running short on their Association PDP hours for membership renewal can rest assured that the Association will be extending deadlines during this difficult time.

Members are encouraged to contact education@interiorrealtors.com at their convenience to discuss their options.

Please note that any BCFSA requirement extensions must be requested directly from BCFSA .