Strong winds and dry lightning have aggravated the already chaotic wildfire situation in British Columbia’s southern Interior, forcing more people to escape and putting others on alert. New wildfires at the north end of Okanagan Lake have prompted the evacuation of the Okanagan Indian Band reserve, while evacuation orders and alerts are up near the cities of Vernon and Armstrong. The BC Wildfire Service reports that dozens more fires have been sparked and have expanded quickly, with almost half of the 130 wildfires burning out of control. The Regional District of North Okanagan says if people have a recreational vehicle, and time permits, they should bring it with them as accommodations will be limited. There are 42 separate evacuation orders across the province and another 40 alerts, with the latest orders been set off the Bradley Creek wildfire in the north Okanagan. The wildfires and Saturday night’s storm have also knocked out power to several areas of the province, especially in the Okanagan and Kootenay regions where more than 23,000 customers are without lights. The BC Wildfire Service is recommending that British Columbians be prepared for a possible quick departure, even if wildfires aren’t threatening their areas. The wildfire service says there are five wildfires of note now in the province, all of them burning near communities. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 2, 2026
