BC Wildfire Service warns dangers of AI-generated images

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — AI-generated wildfire images are becoming more common, according to the BC Wildfire Service. 

As wildfire season continues, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is warning the public about the dangers of artificial intelligence(AI) generated wildfire images.

In a Facebook post on May 7th, 2026, the BCWS said fake images can “spread confusion and fear” and could make the work of responders increasingly difficult. 

During an interview with Energeticcity.ca, Jean Strong, digital communications officer with the BC Wildfire Service, explained some of the dangers of AI-generated images.

“One of the main things that we’re worried about when we’ve seen the increase [in] AI-generated images of wildfires online is the lack of accuracy to either extreme,” Strong said. “I believe there is a concern for a wildfire to be depicted as more scary or aggressive than it might be in real life, which might make people more fearful when they don’t need to be.” 

Strong also said AI-generated images can cause the public to make decisions based on inaccurate information.

“I also think there’s the other end of the spectrum where a generated image could purport to show a wildfire and it’s actually showing it to be less intense or less dangerous than it is,” said Strong. “Which, again, may cause people to make decisions based on information that’s not accurate.”

When asked about how people can identify if an image is real or fake, Strong explained some of the key factors to look for in an AI-generated image.

“If elements within the image are cloned or look unnatural or inhuman,” she said. “Oftentimes, we’ll see errors in things like our logos or in text in the image. For example, on name tags or the name of the organization on a vehicle or helicopter.”

On April 20th, 2026, the BCWS released a Facebook post of a photo showing a AI-generated image of a wildfire, and a real image provided by BCWS. 

Strong said that with AI improving each year, it remains important for people to not only identify if images are real or not, but also anaylze where they are receiving information from. 

“I think even more than being able to identify a specific image one at [a] time, if it’s AI or not, it’s really important for people to look at where they’re getting their information from, and the sources of that information,” she said. “We provide images on our social media; we use no AI-generated images.”

“We also suggest people turn to their media sources that they rely on, so whether that’s local or provincial media, digital or newspaper, whatever you have in your community or near your community that you trust.” 

Strong also suggests the public use the BC Wildfire Service app for accurate and real images and videos. 

The BC Wildfire Service app is available for download on both Apple and Android. 

Anyone who has any questions about any wildfire-related questions, including an image that may be causing them concern, is encouraged to reach out to information officers in their respective regional fire center. 

To find out which center you are located in, visit the BC Wildfire Service website.