- A wildfire has been spotted in the Upper Fintry area near La Casa on the west side of Okanagan Lake late Saturday afternoon.
- The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has reported that the wildfire burning near La Casa is approximately one hectare in size.
- Crews are responding to a wildfire burning near La Casa that is currently estimated at one hectare in size.
- The fire is currently burning at a low to moderate rate of spread, according to BCWS.
- 14 wildfire personnel are responding to the blaze, supported by multiple aerial resources.
- The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has placed 507 properties on evacuation alert, including residents at La Casa Lakeside Resort and La Casa Cottages.
- The wildfire is currently burning at rank two and three, indicating a surface fire with open flame and a slow to moderate rate of spread.
- The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, though lightning has been seen in the area Saturday afternoon.
A wildfire has erupted in the Upper Fintry area near La Casa on Okanagan Lake, igniting around 4 p.m. on July 25, 2026. The fire has grown to approximately one hectare and is currently classified as out of control, indicating a potential for further spread.1
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has placed 507 properties on evacuation alert, including residents at La Casa Lakeside Resort and La Casa Cottages. Firefighters are on the scene, with one crew of five personnel and a response officer actively combating the blaze. Three helicopters and skimmers are also deployed to assist in firefighting efforts.26
According to a BCWS Fire Information Officer, the fire is burning at a rank of two and three, which indicates a surface fire with open flames and a slow to moderate rate of spread. “We have one crew and one response officer on site, so that's five firefighting personnel in total,” said Nessman, adding that two more initial attack crews are en route, bringing the total to eight additional personnel.4
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, although lightning was reported in the area around the time of the fire's ignition. As of now, no homes or structures are threatened by the fire, but residents remain on high alert as conditions evolve.
“Lightning is suspected as the cause after a flash was seen near the fire's origin. BC Wildfire Service has five personnel and three helicopters on site, with two additional crews en route, and 507 properties are under evacuation alert.”
Vernon Morning Star
