The BCFS Wildfire Management Branch has been responding to wildfires since it was formed in 1912. It is internationally recognized as a leader in wildfire management. The number of wildfires that occur on average every year in British Columbia is around 2,000, with half being caused by people and half caused by lightning. The current 10-year average, taken from 2002 to 2011, is 1,922 fires, 40.4% caused by people and 64.3% caused by lightning. Be Fire Smart