Wildfire Smoke Drives Evacuations in Osoyoos Region

The Osoyoos region has been placed under evacuation orders due to smoke from wildfires, with Oroville experiencing 'Go Now' conditions and the area around it facing a more relaxed 'Be Ready' status.

The Osoyoos region has been placed under evacuation orders due to smoke from wildfires. Oroville is experiencing 'Go Now' conditions, while the area around it is facing a more relaxed 'Be Ready' status.

A wildfire known as Sinlahekin Fire covers 29,703 hectares near Tonasket in Washington and has prompted air quality warnings across the region. Smoke from this fire can be seen extending into South Okanagan on Sunday morning, resulting in a yellow air quality warning for the area.

Okanagan Highlands Firewatch discovered Sinlahekin Fire on July 26, with Lower Similkameen Indian Band reporting that it reached Palmer Mountain. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) issued a wildfire advisory for the region but noted no immediate action was required.