UPDATE: Aug. 2, 1:40 a.m.
Three properties in Salmon River IR1 have been placed on evacuation order by the Splatsin First Nation Kukpi7 & Tkwamipla. The properties ordered to leave the area immediately are 5211 Heywood Armstrong Rd., 5217 Heywood Armstrong Rd. and 4909 Salmon River Rd.
All remaining properties in Salmon River IR1 have been placed on evacuation alert and should be ready to leave at any time.
The Bradley Creek wildfire is still estimated to be 1,047 hectares in size and burning aggressively.
UPDATE: Aug. 2, 12:24 a.m.
The City of Armstrong has added an evacuation alert due to the Bradley Creek wildfire.
Around 12:15 a.m., the City issued the alert to all properties along the western edge of the city.
The properties include:
- 3075, 3275 Fraser Road;
- 3909, 3915, 3945, 3955, 3965, 3985 Wood Avenue;
- 4000 Noble Road;
- 2915, 3065, 3185 Otter Lake Road;
- 3930 Patten Drive;
- 2365 Pleasant Valley Road.
“If you live in the affected area, be prepared to leave on short notice if conditions change,” said the City of Armstrong. “An Evacuation Alert is not an Evacuation Order, but now is the time to make your preparations.”
Residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice and are encouraged to do the following:
- Gather essential items, medications, identification, and important documents;
- Make a plan for your family, pets, and livestock;
- Fill your vehicle with fuel and arrange transportation if needed;
- Prepare accommodations should an Evacuation Order be issued
“Please do not evacuate unless an Evacuation Order is issued,” the City added. “Emergency officials will provide as much notice as possible, but changing wildfire conditions may require rapid action.”
As of BCWS’ latest update, which came at 10:05 p.m. on Aug. 1, the blaze is 1,047 hectares in size and remains out of control.
UPDATE: 10:20 p.m.
The evacuation order has expanded for the Township of Spallumcheen as the Bradley Creek wildfire is pushed north by the wind.
Embers have been reported falling in the area and those in the area directly west of Armstrong are advised to leave immediately.
Evacuees can register at the Hassen Memorial Arena in Armstrong.
Structure protection and defence are expected to be on scene of the Bradley Creek wildfire overnight.
BC Wildfire reports aggressive behaviour from the fire heading into the evening, with winds pushing the blaze northeast across Highway 97 and forcing a road closure.
UPDATE 9:20 p.m.
The Township of Spallumcheen has upgraded all evacuation alerts to orders due to the Bradley Creek wildfire.
All properties from Highway 97 to Grandview Flats Road and Otter Lake Road should leave immediately.
Okanagan Indian Reserve 1 and a number of properties on the west side of Irish Creek Road are also on evacuation order.
The BC Evacuee Helpline has extended their hours until 11 p.m. For assistance call 1-800-387-4258.
UPDATE: 8:52 p.m.
Evacuees of the Bradley Creek wildfire can be supported through Emergency Support Service (ESS).
“Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258. The helpline is currently open until 9 p.m. to support people affected by wildfires. The Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Avenue, Vernon, remains open to provide registration support, information, resources and referrals for evacuees who require in-person assistance,” the City of Vernon said in an email to Black Press.
“Evacuees who need Emergency Support Services are strongly encouraged to register by phone if they are able to do so, rather than attending the Reception Centre in person. Registering by phone will help reduce wait times and allow ESS volunteers to support those who need in-person assistance most urgently.”
The City said the reception centre will stay open “as long as possible” but will not be open overnight. The reception centre will reopen in the morning.
Evacuees are encouraged to stay with friends or family overnight. The City is encouraging residents to sign up for emergency notifications app Alertable.
UPDATE: 8:33 p.m.
Highway 97 has been closed between Old Kamloops Road in Vernon and Salmon River Road due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
The neighbouring Westside Road has also been closed from Highway 97 until Bonneau Road because of the blaze.
So far, the wildfire has caused three evacuation ALERTS and two evacuation ORDERS to be issued in the North Okanagan.
The fire is 1,047 hectares according to BC Wildfire, who have committed nine Initial Attack Crews, three operational field staff, four helicopters and a structure protection specialist to combat it.
Embers have been seen falling as far north as the Township of Spallumcheen.
UPDATE: 8:11 p.m.
Embers from the Bradley Creek wildfire have been seen falling as far north as Spallumcheen, according to EmergencyInfoBC.
The township of Spallumcheen had issued an evacuation ALERT for areas within the community at around 6:50 p.m.
EmergencyInfoBC is asking the public to be vigilant and watch for spot fire.
Evacuations orders have been issued for properties within the Okanagan Indian Band Reservation 1 as well as properties near Irish Creek Road.
UPDATE: 7:37 p.m.
EmergencyInfoBC is issuing a reminder that all properties on Okanagan Indian Band Reservation 1 are under an evacuation ORDER due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
“All individuals north at Head of Lake, evacuate immediate NORTH to 3445 43rd Ave, Kal Tire Place in Vernon. All individuals south of the wildfire evacuate immediately SOUTH to Westbank Lions Club at 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna. If you are unable to evacuate call 9-1-1.”
EmergencyInfoBC said the Bradley Creek Wildfire is creating a “significant risk to life.”
Evacuations orders are also in place for the following properties.
West side of Irish Creek Road
Irish Creek Rd: 257, 280, 300, 304, 306, 396, 398, 424, 570, 576, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, 678.
Please note Westside Road is closed in both directions
According to EmergencyInfoBC on X, the wildfire had jumped across Westside Road at around 6:04 p.m.
UPDATE: 7:10 p.m.
The RDNO has issued further evacuation ALERTS to more properties for the Six Mile Creek area of Electoral Area “B” due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
The following properties are now under an evacuation ALERT:
278, 221, 236, 267 Siwash Creek Road;
59 Beatrice Road;
442, 503, 545, 550, 560, 651, 655, 659, 661, 730, 735, 809, 878, 890, 901, 930, 1001, 1070, 1075, 1135, 1195, 1470 Six Mile Creek Road.
Those in the area of the ALERT are asked to start preparing to leave their homes on short notice. More information will be issued as updates are provided from BC Wildfire.
More information can be found at rdno.ca/evacuationalertsandorders or on Alertable.
The Bradley Creek Wildfire has also caused evacuation ORDERS to be issued for properties on the west of Irish Creek Road.
If you are in this area, you must leave immediately.
Because of the immediate danger to life safety, the following properties are now on Evacuation ORDER:
West side of Irish Creek Road
Irish Creek Rd: 257, 280, 300, 304, 306, 396, 398, 424, 570, 576, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, 678.
Please note Westside Road is closed in both directions
According to EmergencyInfoBC on X, the wildfire had jumped across Westside Road at around 6:04 p.m.
UPDATE: 6:51 p.m.
An evacuation ALERT has also been issued for Spallumcheen due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
Those in the area of the ALERT are asked to start preparing to leave their homes on short notice.
A map of areas in Spallumcheen that are under the evacuation ALERT can be viewed at Alertable.ca.
“Get your grab-and-go bags ready (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents and important mementos. Listen to local emergency officials for further information on the situation, watch the Township website, and if you have not already sign up for Alertable to get alerts directly to your phone or email,” the Township of Spallumcheen wrote.
The Bradley Creek Wildfire has also caused evacuation ORDERS to be issued for properties on the west of Irish Creek Road.
If you are in this area, you must leave immediately.
Because of the immediate danger to life safety, the following properties are now on Evacuation ORDER:
West side of Irish Creek Road
Irish Creek Rd: 257, 280, 300, 304, 306, 396, 398, 424, 570, 576, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, 678.
Please note Westside Road is closed in both directions.
COBS Bread at 4800 Anderson Way in Vernon has offered food for evacuees.
UPDATE: 6:28 p.m.
The RDNO, based on recommendations from BC Wildfire, have issued an evacuation ORDER for those on the west of Irish Creek Road.
If you are in this area, you must leave immediately.
Because of the immediate danger to life safety, the following properties are now on Evacuation ORDER:
West side of Irish Creek Road
Irish Creek Rd: 257, 280, 300, 304, 306, 396, 398, 424, 570, 576, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, 678.
Please note Westside Road is closed in both directions.
An evacuation ALERT has also been issued by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District for properties south of Highway 97 in the Sweetsbridge/Cedar Hill area and parts of Glenemma due to the Bradley Creek/Six Mile Creek wildfire risk.
See csrd.bc.ca for more.
Due to the potential danger to life, health or property, an EVACUATION ALERT is in effect until further notice.
An EVACUATION ALERT is a warning about a potential threat to life and/or property. It is intended to give you time to be ready for a possible evacuation.
Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation, however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
You are NOT required to evacuate at this time but you must be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Prepare yourself and any necessary supplies.
This EVACUATION ALERT only applies to the properties located within the CSRD’s Electoral Area D.
Earlier Saturday, the Okanagan Indian Band issued Evacuation Orders for all properties North of Bonneau Road and South of Highway 97, and all properties across the lake along Head of the Lake Road, Hawhola Road, and all properties up to the OKIB IR 1 boundary.
People in the area must evacuate immediately due to the wildfire causing risk to human life and safety.
“Residents should follow the directions of emergency personnel and leave the area using the designated evacuation routes. Please take essential medications, important documents, pets, and any items required to support your immediate needs,” said OKIB on Facebook.
An Evacuation Alert has also been put in place for residents of Desert Cove and Lawrence Heights.
OKIB EOC is working with BCWS and other emergency services to support residents and protect property.
“People north of Newport should make their way to Prestige Vernon (4411 32 Street). Emergency Support Services (ESS) has been established to provide assistance to evacuees,” reads the post.
The City of Vernon (see below) has also activated its Emergency Operations Centre and reception centre at Kal Tire Place for those affected by the wildfire.
“Traffic south of Newport should make their way to Westbank Lions Club. Emergency Support Services (ESS) has been established at 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna.”
Westside Road remains closed in both directions.
More to come.
UPDATE 6:02 p.m.
The City of Vernon has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in response to the Bradley Creek/Six Mile Creek wildfire (K41351).
Individuals displaced by evacuation orders can access Emergency Support Services (ESS) at the Reception Centre located at Kal Tire Place, 3445-43rd Avenue, Vernon. The centre provides registration support, information, resources and referrals to assist evacuees during this emergency.
Evacuees who require Emergency Support Services do not need to attend the reception centre in person if they are able to register by phone. A self-registration option is available by calling 1-800-387-4258.
ESS support is available over the phone for those who are able to complete the registration process remotely.
Individuals affected by evacuation orders are encouraged to register with Emergency Support Services to access available supports and receive information about available resources.
The City of Vernon EOC is working closely with BC Wildfire Service, emergency responders and other partner agencies to support wildfire response efforts and evacuees.
Updates will be provided as the situation evolves. The city thanks the public for its cooperation and asks everyone to avoid the affected area to allow emergency personnel to safely carry out their work.
The City of Vernon encourages residents to sign up for Alertable, the city’s emergency notification system, to receive timely updates during emergencies. Residents can register to receive notifications by phone, text message or email at vernon.ca/alertable.
Emergency response personnel ask the public to:
* Avoid the incident area and respect all road closures so emergency responders can safely and effectively perform their duties
* Give wildfire aircraft plenty of space while they are collecting water in Okanagan Lake to support firefighting efforts
* Call 911 only in the event of an emergency
* Visit vernon.ca/news for the most up-to-date information, including evacuation information, maps, and e-updates.
Follow the City of Vernon and Okanagan Indian Band on social media for additional updates.
UPDATE: 5:05 p.m.
The Bradley Creek wildfire continues to cause Evacuation Orders and alerts near Vernon Saturday evening.
According to the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), Evacuation Orders have been issued for all properties North of Bonneau Road and South of Highway 97, and all properties across the lake along Head of the Lake Road, Hawhola Road, and all properties up to the OKIB IR 1 boundary.
People in the area must evacuate immediately due to the wildfire causing risk to human life and safety.
“Residents should follow the directions of emergency personnel and leave the area using the designated evacuation routes. Please take essential medications, important documents, pets, and any items required to support your immediate needs,” said OKIB on Facebook.
An Evacuation Alert has also been put in place for residents of Desert Cove and Lawrence Heights.
OKIB EOC is working with BCWS and other emergency services to support residents and protect property.
“People north of Newport should make their way to Prestige Vernon (4411 32 Street). Emergency Support Services (ESS) has been established to provide assistance to evacuees,” reads the post.
“Traffic south of Newport should make their way to Westbank Lions Club. Emergency Support Services (ESS) has been established at 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna.”
Westside Road remains closed in both directions.
More to come.
UPDATE: 3:55 p.m.
The Okanagan Indian Band Emergency Operations Centre has called for an Evacuation Order for all properties north of Mary Emerald Bay Road to Simila Road due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
As of 3:30 p.m., a tactical evacuation is underway for residents on Pebble Park Lane.
People must leave the area immediately to protect public safety as fire conditions continue to evolve.
According to OKIB, emergency personnel are working directly with affected residents to support the evacuation process.
A temporary Emergency Support Service has been set up at the council chambers located at 12420 Westside Road.
DriveBC says drivers on Westside Road is closed between Barcelona Drive and Fred Road, a distance of nearly 26 kilometres, due to wildfire activity.
This is happening approximately 24 kilometres northeast of West Kelowna.
Drivers should use caution and plan a way out.
UPDATE: 2:51 p.m.
The Bradley Creek wildfire burning north of Westside Road near Vernon still sits at 200 hectares.
The blaze was discovered late on Friday, July 31, and has quickly jumped to its current size in less than 24 hours.
“I first got the call that something was up around 11 p.m. last night,” said Josh Winquist, Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), communication and events manager.
OKIB held a media availability with Chief Dan Wilson at 1 p.m. to discuss the current state of the fire.
“It’s about a couple kilometres away (from some community members) right now,” said Wilson. “We are very fortunate we had about three helicopters fighting it at 9 o’clock this morning and I was just told there are two planes on the way. So hopefully we can get it contained.”
The chief added that there are some concerns with wind projected to pick up to 60 to 70 kilometres an hour as well as lightning forecasted for later in the day.
“We need some prayers,” he said.
The OKIB fire department was first on the scene with B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) arriving shortly after.
“I’m very impressed, we learned a lot of lessons from the White Rock Lake fire in 2021,” said Wilson. “We’re very grateful for all the hard work.”
The chief gave a message to the people affected by the evacuation alert.
“Please know we are thinking about you. We will continue working closely with our partners to keep the community informed and make decisions based on the best available information,” he stated. “Please rely on official information resources. Situations change and rumours often spread quickly. We encourage everyone to follow updates from the OKIB, BCWS, Emergency Info B.C. and the Regional District North Okanagan.”
The OKIB also requested that the public stays away from the fire area.
“Emergency crews need space to safely do their work, every unnecessary vehicle or person in the area makes their job more difficult and puts others at risk,” said Wilson. “Please do not stop along the roads and, as a reminder, drones have absolutely no place around an active wildfire. It is dangerous and can stop aircraft from operating.”
UPDATE: 10:32 a.m.
The Bradley Creek wildfire burning north of Westside Road near Vernon has now grown to 200 hectares.
The blaze was discovered on Friday, July 31, and has quickly jumped to its current size in less than 24 hours.
“Fire growth and size for this incident is predominately attributed to the grassy fuel type which burns fast and makes for a quicker rate of spread,” said BCWS.
The fire is burning out of control and is suspected to be human caused.
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) issued an evacuation alert this morning for a number of properties.
BCWS is assisting the OKIB Fire Department with the blaze.
There are currently seven Initial Attack Crews, four helicopters and a Structure Protection Specialist responding to the fire.
“Crews are focusing efforts on the north/northeast and south and southwest areas of the fire,”said BCWS.
“They are working off of existing roads to establish guard and extending hoselay for water delivery to support direct attack and water delivery to the fire’s edge. Helicopters are also providing bucketing support to help slow fire growth up slope and cool down hotspots.”
UPDATE 9:09 a.m.
The Okanagan Indian Band, in recommendation of BC Wildfire Service, has expanded its evacuation alert.
The extension of affected properties includes the following areas: East of Six Mile Road, North of Westside Road to Mary Emeralds Bay Road. It also includes and is not limited to Royal Road, Marchand Road, Pebble Park Lane, Louis Road and all other properties that access off Westside Road within the mapped area.
This includes the following properties:
Properties along Bonneau Road;
Properties along Pebble Park Lane;
Properties along Louis Road;
Properties along Six Mile Road
#7
#11
#13
Properties along Marchand Road
#18
#29
Properties along Royal Road
#7
#15
Properties north of Westside Road
11454 Westside Road
11450 Westside Road
11452 Westside Road
11458 Westside Road
11486 Westside Road
11482 Westside Road
11282 Westside Road
11284 Westside Road
11298 Westside Road
11300 Westside Road
11304 Westside Road
11310 Westside Road
11310 Westside Road
11322 Westside Road
11324 Westside Road
11332 Westside Road
11385 Westside Road.
Everyone who lives at these residences need to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
UPDATE: AUG 1, 8:04 a.m.
The Wildfire burning off Westside Road near Vernon has grown overnight and is now approximately 100 hectares, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
Discovered Friday night on July 31, the fire is burning near the Okanagan Indian Band.
The Okanagan Indian Band issued an evacuation alert earlier in the day for a number of properties along Bonneau Road, Pebble Park Lane, Louis Road, properties along any roads north of Westside Road between Bonneau and Komasket Road.
The alert is also in place for Westside Road addresses 11454, 11450, 11452, 11458, 11486 and 11482.
More to come.
UPDATE: SATURDAY, AUG. 1, 6:42 A.M.:
The Okanagan Indian Band’s Emergency Operations Centre, based on BC Wildfire Service recommendation has issued an Evacuation Alert for the following properties:
* Properties along Bonneau Road
* Properties along Pebble Park Lane
* Properties along Louis Road
* Properties along any roads north of Westside Road between Bonneau Road and Komasket Road
* 11454 Westside Road
* 11450 Westside Road
* 11452 Westside Road
* 11458 Westside Road
* 11486 Westside Road
* 11482 Westside Road
This alert has been issued due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire (K41351). BC Wildfire Service
Additional information will be shared on OKIB.ca and OKIB Facebook page as it becomes available.
UPDATE: SATURDAY, AUG. 1, 6:07 A.M.:
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and BC Wildfire Services (BCWS)crews are battling a wildfire off Westside Road.
The Bradley Creek Fire (K41351) broke out Friday evening, July 31, and is listed Saturday, Aug. 1, as 10 hectares in size and classified as under control on the BCWS website.
Out of control is defined as a a wildfire spreading or anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.
OKIB has been providing updates to its members on social media.
Shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday, the band said its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated at Level 1 to support situational awareness, coordinator, and ongoing monitoring of the incident.
The band reiterated in its last post that, at this time, no homes or other structures are threatened.
Community members are asked to avoid the area, and allow emergency personnel to safely carry out their work.
More details, said the band, will be provided as they become available.
ORIGINAL STORY
A 10-hectare wildfire is burning north of Westside Road in the Bradley Creek area.
The blaze was first reported on July 31, however, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) updated information regarding the incident at 2 a.m. Aug. 1.
The out-of-control wildfire is expected to spread beyond the current perimeter and is believed to be human-caused.
On Friday, BCWS warned that weather conditions over the long weekend could increase the hazard of wildfires and lead to challenging conditions for those fighting them.
A cold front is forecast to move across much of the province this weekend, bringing thunderstorms and strong, gusty winds. By the time this activity reaches the Southern Interior, it will come with little or no rainfall.
Due to hot and dry conditions and continued drought, fuels are increasingly susceptible, and it is likely that new lightning-caused wildfires may result.
More to come.