In light of high wildfire season coming up, B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) issued another warning concerning AI-generated images of wildfires.
The warning came with a pair of images – one real, one fake, depicting an unspecified wildfire.
The AI image, which showed greatly exaggerated billows of smoke with depictions of people practically inside the fire’s site as well as a helicopter with in distinct markings flying overhead, recently made its rounds on social media.
“AI wildfire images often look more dramatic than reality,” the BCWS stated. “If something feels a little too perfect, take a second look.”
In addition to the exaggerated smoke and vaguely-marked helicopter, the BCWS pointed out that the AI’s depictions of people were inconsistent and the image “feels cinematic and staged rather than like a real photo taken on scene.”
The BCWS warned the public that as wildfire activity increases going into the summer, you can expect to see increased fake images online.
The BCWS recommends the following to get the most accurate, up-to-date information:
– Check with your trusted local or regional news outlets rather than social media pages that post AI-generated content.
– Look to official sources such as BCWS social media and their website (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status).
– Before you think of sharing an image of wildfires, take time to think critically and look for clues that something might be off. It is better safe than sorry.
Last August, the BCWS issued a warning that images reportedly featuring the Bear Creek wildfire north of Harrison Hot Springs – the area’s largest that year at 224 hectares – were fake. The images featured open flames plainly visible with two helicopters and a plane fighting the blaze.
While there was indeed air support fighting the Bear Creek fire, there was never any plane involved, and open flames had not been seen in the area for days.
There was a second image in the 2025 warning depicting a large, open blaze in the Peachland area, a faked birds-eye view of the wildfire burning extremely close to what appeared to be a major highway intersection while water bombers flew overhead.