A wildfire at Drought Hill is burning just north of Peachland, B.C., as seen in a photo taken on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and shared by the province’s wildfire team. The Canadian Press
Officials from BC's wildfire team are warning people about fake photos online. These images, made using artificial intelligence (AI), show dramatic fire scenes that are not real. Many of these images are going viral on social media. People may think they show real wildfires, but they don’t.
The team recently shared two examples of such photos. They show planes fighting huge fires. But the pictures don’t match the real landscape, fire size, or fire behaviour in those areas.
One of the photos was first posted on Facebook on July 31. The person who posted it called themselves a "digital creator." The image was linked to the Drought Hill fire near Peachland. The next day, the caption was updated. A note was added to say the image was made using AI and was just for "illustrative purposes only."
Misinformation Creates Panic
Wildfire officials are concerned about this kind of misleading content. People often rely on social media for updates during wildfire season. In such situations, spreading fake images — even by mistake — can create fear, stress, and confusion.
They explained that even if people share such images with good intentions, the impact can be harmful. Wrong information during an emergency can make things worse.
“Whether it’s well-intentioned or intentionally misleading, misinformation is the last thing that’s needed in an emergency,” the wildfire team warned.
People Need Real, Trusted Updates
Officials ask people to check information before sharing it. They want people to follow trusted sources for real updates. This is especially important during fire season when every second matters.
The wildfire team also reminded the public to stay alert. They asked everyone to report anything strange or dangerous. Keeping the community safe is everyone’s responsibility.
Some Good News from Peachland
While there is concern about fake images, there is also some relief on the ground.
The Drought Hill fire near Peachland is now under control. Local authorities have lifted evacuation alerts for 118 homes in the area.
This is a positive update for families living nearby. Fire crews continue to monitor the situation to make sure the area stays safe.
Stay Alert, Stay Informed
As wildfire season continues, people are being asked to think twice before sharing any photos or updates online. Real updates can help save lives. Fake ones can lead to panic.
The wildfire team encourages everyone to help spread correct information. The focus should be on safety, support, and staying calm.
