Okanagan wildfires force more evacuation orders as First Nation assesses losses

Wildfires are forcing more residents to evacuate their homes in British Columbia's Okanagan region. The Central Okanagan Emergency Management issued new orders due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, adding to the thousands of properties already under evacuation. Further north, the Regional District of North Okanagan also expanded evacuation orders and alerts for properties threatened by the Bradley Creek wildfire.

Residents fled their homes over the weekend as winds up to 115 kilometers per hour fueled the fires, which burned homes down to the waterline. Wildfire operations director Cliff Chapman described the conditions as unprecedented due to the region's prolonged drought. "We had never seen wildfire conditions like this," he stated.

“

The fire is still active. Firefighters are still working in areas that remain dangerous. There are places where crews still can’t safely get in.

The Okanagan Indian Band is still assessing the full extent of the damage to its homes and infrastructure. Chief Dan Wilson said in a Facebook video that the fire remains active and dangerous, with crews unable to safely access some areas. He noted damaged power lines, unstable trees, and compromised water systems require urgent attention. Wilson acknowledged that the community is seeing distressing images and videos online and is working to verify information before sharing it.

“

We had never seen wildfire conditions like this.