- Bradley Creek wildfire has destroyed an estimated 230 homes, with Chief Dan Wilson describing the scene as "a war zone."
- The destruction includes 30 Okanagan Indian Band homes and approximately 200 non-band homes on leased land within the reserve, according to preliminary assessments.
- Evacuation orders and an expanded evacuation alert remain in effect for the surrounding area as the fire continues to pose a threat.
- The fire, which sparked on Friday afternoon, remains out of control and has led to the closure of Westside Road and Highway 97.
- Chief Wilson noted that the fire moved so quickly that some residents had as little as five minutes to evacuate, with many unable to grab essential items.
- Despite the destruction, the community's cultural immersion school and powwow grounds were saved from the flames.
- Fire crews from across British Columbia are working around the clock to protect structures and establish containment lines.
The Bradley Creek wildfire has wreaked havoc in the Okanagan Indian Band, destroying an estimated 230 homes and prompting ongoing evacuation orders. Chief Dan Wilson described the aftermath as a "war zone" after aerial assessments revealed significant destruction.13
Wilson noted that 30 homes belonging to the Okanagan Indian Band and around 200 non-band homes were lost in the blaze, which has consumed 2,852 hectares. He expressed disbelief at the devastation, stating, "It was hard to recognize my community from the air with all the structures and the forests gone." Many residents had as little as five minutes to evacuate, with some unable to take essential items.25
Despite the destruction, the community's new cultural immersion school and daycare were saved, a bright spot amid the chaos. Wilson praised the efforts of firefighters, stating, "We're so proud of our cultural immersion school."6
Fire crews from across British Columbia have been working tirelessly to contain the fire, with Jeff Dunn from the BC Wildfire Service reporting that teams have been operating 24/7 to protect structures and establish containment lines. However, with warmer weather expected, challenges remain.7
The Regional District of North Okanagan has expanded evacuation orders due to ongoing threats from the fire, which remains out of control. Residents are advised to prepare for potential evacuations as the situation develops.4
"IF YOU ARE IN THIS AREA, YOU MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY," officials warned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“Chief Dan Wilson said he was in shock after surveying the burn area by helicopter, with some residents given as little as five minutes to evacuate and a family able to grab only a cat. The 2,852-hectare fire remains out of control, and RDNO has expanded evacuation orders, with Westside Road and Highway 97 closed.”
Regional District of North Okanagan
