- Bradley Creek wildfire has been burning for over a week, with hot and dry conditions keeping firefighters on high alert this weekend.
- The fire has not grown significantly in recent days but remains active and out of control, with hotspots still active within the perimeter.
- The City of Vernon has expressed gratitude to Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers as the response enters its second week, with over 2,600 evacuees supported.
- The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) eased evacuation orders on Friday evening, allowing residents of Desert Cove and the east side of Okanagan Lake to return home, but an evacuation alert remains.
- Heavy winds from the south are expected this weekend, threatening to increase fire activity, while BC Hydro warns of a slow power restoration.
- It is believed more than 200 homes and structures have been lost due to the Bradley Creek wildfire, which is still mapped at 2,853 hectares.
- Crews and structure protection teams are working around the clock, while tree fallers are removing dangerous trees along Highway 97, and contractors are working to repair BC Hydro infrastructure.
- The BC Wildfire Service says that early Friday evening, the thermal trough will slide to the east of the fire zone and will generate increased gustiness and downslope winds.
Hot and dry conditions across B.C.’s Interior are keeping firefighters on high alert as the Bradley Creek wildfire remains active at 2,853 hectares. Despite no significant growth in recent days, the fire is still out of control, with more than 200 homes lost, including those belonging to Okanagan Indian Band members.110
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) has eased some evacuation orders, allowing residents of Desert Cove and the east side of Okanagan Lake to return home. However, a do-not-consume water order remains in effect for all addresses on the OKIB water system. “An evacuation alert will remain in place and residents returning home should be ready to leave if the status of the fire changes,” said OKIB.67
Firefighters are facing challenges from gusty winds and smoke, which has moderated fire behavior but created visibility issues for aerial resources. “In terms of fire behaviour, it can aid in that effort, but for aviation resources, visibility is quite poor,” said Sarah Hill, a BC Wildfire information officer.
Currently, there are 176 firefighters, 12 helicopters, and 40 pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire. The City of Vernon has provided support to over 2,600 evacuees through Emergency Support Services, with additional resources available at local recreation facilities.45
BC Hydro reports that restoration efforts are hampered by ongoing wildfire activity, with over 3,100 customers still without power due to damaged infrastructure.89
“Restoration efforts continue to be challenged by hot, dry conditions and active wildfire behaviour,” the utility stated.
“More than 200 homes and structures have been lost, with 30 belonging to Okanagan Indian Band members, and over 3,100 remain without power as BC Hydro warns of a slow recovery. The fire is still mapped at 2,853 hectares, with 176 firefighters and 12 helicopters assigned, while a do-not-consume water order remains for OKIB water system addresses.”
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