Latest published update
Indigenous Cultural Burn Near Osoyoos Revives Traditional Fire Stewardship
A cultural burn near Osoyoos, BC is part of a broader wildfire management effort and aims to revive traditional fire practices.
Permanent local information
Wildfire, Smoke and Evacuation Information
Local wildfire activity, evacuation alerts and orders, smoke advisories, air-quality notices and fire restrictions affecting the South Okanagan.
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During an emergency, follow the newest instructions from the responsible authority. An older article may no longer describe the current alert or order.
Earlier updates
Oliver Fire Chief Discusses Ambulance Delays and Funding
The Oliver fire chief has highlighted an increase in medical calls, attributing it to overwhelmed health services such as hospital closures and ambulance delays. Despite these challenges, the department is not seeking additional workload changes.
Oliver Winery Raises $250K for Youth Music and Wildfire Relief
Phantom Creek Estates' 10th anniversary gala raised $250,000 for Vancouver Academy of Music and United Way BC.
Town of Osoyoos Seeks Public Input on Wildfire Resiliency Plan
The Town of Osoyoos is seeking public input on its wildfire resiliency plan, which aims to improve the town's ability to respond to and recover from wildfires.
Oliver Firefighters and Community Unite for Film Screening
The Oliver Fire Department and local theatre are teaming up to host a fundraising screening of 'Only The Brave,' a film based on real-life firefighting efforts, in support of recovery from the Summerland wildfire. Scheduled for September 14th, attendees will have an opportunity to meet firefighters and enjoy a special movie night.
Tom Shields Calls for Senior Governments to Help Fund Osoyoos Water and Sewer Upgrades
Former mayor says Highway 3 traffic places a regional and national burden on infrastructure paid for largely by local residents
Small Wildfire Spotted Northwest of Osoyoos
A small wildfire was reported northwest of Osoyoos, according to Castanet Oliver/Osoyoos.
Oliver Fire Department to Assess Workload Following Diverse Calls
The Oliver Fire Department is gearing up for an assessment after responding to a diverse array of calls during a busy wildfire season, including first responder and ambulance services.
Sinlahekin Fire Smoke Column Continues to Impact Canadian Communities
The Sinlahekin fire in Washington State continues to emit heavy smoke northward, prompting joint statements from local authorities and monitoring of potential impacts on Canadian communities.
LSIB Monitoring Large Smoke Column from Sinlahekin Fire
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band is monitoring a large smoke column from the Sinlahekin Fire, which is located south of the international border near Chopaka.
Oliver Fire Department Responds to Possible Ammonia Leak
A possible ammonia leak was reported at the BC Tree Fruits building off Co-op Avenue in Oliver.
Osoyoos Fire Rescue Reflects on Bald Range Wildfire Deployment
Local Osoyoos fire crews deployed for 10 days to support wildfire operations and neighboring communities.
South Okanagan-Similkameen Communities Mobilize to Help Evacuees
Communities across South Okanagan-Similkameen are coming together to support Bald Range wildfire evacuees and their neighbors.
Osoyoos Opens Indoor Activities for Evacuees Amid Wildfire Smoke
The Town of Osoyoos invites evacuees and others to participate in indoor activities due to smoky conditions.
BC Wildfire Service Warns of Vigilance as Lightning Strikes Continue in South Okanagan
Following Wednesday's lightning strikes, BC Wildfire Service has issued warnings for residents to remain vigilant amidst ongoing wildfire concerns and dry conditions.
Oliver Arts Event Cancelled Due to Wildfire Situation
The Oliver Creates Art Show and Sale, scheduled for September 18–20 at the Oliver Curling Rink, has been cancelled in advance.
To Everyone Standing Between Our Communities and the Fire: Thank You
As more than 20,000 people are forced from their homes by the Bald Range wildfire, we pause to thank every firefighter, pilot, first responder, volunteer, emergency worker and neighbour helping protect Okanagan communities during this dreadful emergency.
Sinlahekin Wildfire Shows Progress, Evacuation Alerts Lifted
The Sinlahekin wildfire has seen some progress in containment efforts, with evacuation alerts now downgraded for certain areas. Despite ongoing growth on the northwestern edge of the blaze, fire officials are optimistic about the situation.
Air Quality Concerns Force Music in the Park to Move Indoors
Due to poor air quality caused by wildfires, Music in the Park had to relocate its outdoor event from Gyro Park Bandshell to the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos. The Orange Warning issued by Environment Canada urged staying indoors until smoke levels improved.
Wildfire Grows to Over 134 Square Miles, Threatening Washington State
The wildfire near Osoyoos has rapidly expanded overnight, covering over 134 square miles and remaining active with low-humidity conditions. Local officials are closely monitoring the situation.
North Winds Reduce Sinlahekin Wildfire Threat to Osoyoos
A shift in wind direction reduces the threat of the Sinlahekin wildfire, but evacuation orders remain in place for Osoyoos residents.
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.
Osoyoos Fire Rescue Prepares for Wildfire Smoke in South Okanagan
Residents of Osoyoos, British Columbia are advised to prepare for possible air quality impacts due to smoke from the large Washington State wildfire near the border.
BC Wildfire Service Responds to Multiple Fires in South Okanagan and West Kootenay
Following an initial incident near Anarchist Mountain, BC Wildfire Service has now brought multiple wildfires under control in the South Okanagan and West Kootenay region. The latest development saw a fire off Sasquatch Trail reach manageable levels after being out of control for nearly a day.
South Okanagan Firefighting Crews Support Clinton During Wildfires
Firefighting crews from South Okanagan support Clinton during wildfires.
New Wildfire on Anarchist Mountain at Raven Hill
A new wildfire has broken out on Anarchist Mountain at Raven Hill, near a previous fire site, according to the BC Wildfire Service.