BC Wildfire Service Battles AI Generated Misinformation

An image depicting a massive wildfire along the shores of Harrison Lake has been identified as a fake, created by artificial intelligence rather than a camera.

The Rise of AI Generated Misinformation

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) has issued a public warning on social media to address the spread of AI-generated photos of wildfires across the province. One prominent fake image closely resembles the Bear Creek area, where a 224-hectare wildfire is currently active.

"Whether well-intentioned or intentionally misleading, misinformation is the last thing any of us need during emergencies," the BCWS stated. They highlighted that such images, while appearing realistic to a casual observer, can create a false sense of a situation. "Someone scrolling past could believe this image is real or accurate when it is not."

Deconstructing the Fake Images

The AI-generated image of the Harrison-area fire shows large, open flames being fought by two bucket helicopters and an airplane. While helicopters have been part of the response to the real Bear Creek wildfire, no airplane is involved, and the fire has not shown open flames for several days. Another fake image falsely depicted a major blaze in the Peachland area, showing a birds-eye view of fire burning just metres from a highway intersection as water bombers flew overhead.

The Real Situation at Bear Creek

As of Friday, the Bear Creek wildfire remains classified as out of control. However, the BCWS has described the fire's recent state as "a smouldering ground fire with no open flame," a stark contrast to the dramatic fakes circulating online. While smoke is still visible in the area, the immediate visual threat portrayed in the AI images is not accurate.

How to Find Reliable Wildfire Information

The BCWS has reminded the public to rely on verified sources for updates. The most reliable information can be found through official channels such as local news outlets, the official BCWS app, and local emergency alert systems like Alertable.