B.C. Wildfires 2023

A wildfire was discovered on the south end of Chehalis Lake north of Harrison Hot Springs on Sunday (Aug. 27) afternoon. (Screenshot/BCWS)

Wildfire north of Harrison grows to 28 hectares

Fire has jumped in size shortly after discovery

A wildfire was discovered on the south end of Chehalis Lake north of Harrison Hot Springs on Sunday (Aug. 27) afternoon. (Screenshot/BCWS)
Smoke settles over Okanagan Lake Saturday, Aug. 26 with Fintry in the background. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)

Air quality advisory continues for much of B.C.

Smoky skies bulletin issued Monday, Aug. 28

Smoke settles over Okanagan Lake Saturday, Aug. 26 with Fintry in the background. (Jennifer Smith - Morning Star)
Scotch Creek/Lee Creek firefighter Darren Reynolds looks over the remains of his North Shuswap home that was destroyed Friday, Aug. 18, by the Bush Creek East wildfire. (CSRD image)

North Shuswap firefighter unwavering after losing home, fire hall to wildfire

‘This is my neighbourhood’: CSRD firefighter Darren Reynolds recounts harrowing afternoon

Scotch Creek/Lee Creek firefighter Darren Reynolds looks over the remains of his North Shuswap home that was destroyed Friday, Aug. 18, by the Bush Creek East wildfire. (CSRD image)
Hot spots from the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire burn in Scotch Creek, B.C., on Sunday, August 20, 2023. As Canada struggles through its worst fire season in recorded history, a new survey suggests protecting forests remains one issue that unites most Canadians no matter who they are or where they live.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Heat warnings in B.C. as temperature records fall, wildfire fight continues

Communities under a heat warning: Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, Terrace

Hot spots from the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire burn in Scotch Creek, B.C., on Sunday, August 20, 2023. As Canada struggles through its worst fire season in recorded history, a new survey suggests protecting forests remains one issue that unites most Canadians no matter who they are or where they live.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
<div>With climate change expected to worsen wildfires in the future, some firefighters say gruelling labour conditions and associated mental health challenges are taking a toll on the workforce. Firefighters wait to pass through an RCMP roadblock as the McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, August 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck</div>

Firefighters battle many challenges tied to deadly wilderness blazes

Burnout an issue, as mental health, labour struggles common on wildfire front lines

<div>With climate change expected to worsen wildfires in the future, some firefighters say gruelling labour conditions and associated mental health challenges are taking a toll on the workforce. Firefighters wait to pass through an RCMP roadblock as the McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, August 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck</div>
McDougall Creek wildfire rages across West Kelowna on Aug. 17. (Contributed)

More homes burnt from McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna

Number of properties burned in the Central Okanagan has increased from 181 to 189

McDougall Creek wildfire rages across West Kelowna on Aug. 17. (Contributed)
The Clarke Creek wildfire in Lake Country continues to burn into Tuesday, Aug. 22, remaining at 360 hectares. (Jordy Cunningham/Capital News)

No change seen in Clarke Creek wildfire in Lake Country

The fire remains held at 360 hectares

The Clarke Creek wildfire in Lake Country continues to burn into Tuesday, Aug. 22, remaining at 360 hectares. (Jordy Cunningham/Capital News)
Devastating from a burn home caused by the Walroy Lake wildfire in Kelowna, Aug. 24, 2023. (Brittany Webster/Capital News)

Minimal weekend growth for Walroy Lake wildfire in north Kelowna

The temperature is expected to reach 32C on Aug. 28, which may cause fire activity to increase

Devastating from a burn home caused by the Walroy Lake wildfire in Kelowna, Aug. 24, 2023. (Brittany Webster/Capital News)
Thick smoke from the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire fills the air and a Canadian flag flies in the wind as RCMP officers on a boat patrol Shuswap Lake, in Scotch Creek, B.C., on Sunday, August 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Residents of B.C.’s wildfire-stricken Shuswap will soon learn fate of homes

Estimated number of properties destroyed by the Bush Creek East wildfire is 131

Thick smoke from the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire fills the air and a Canadian flag flies in the wind as RCMP officers on a boat patrol Shuswap Lake, in Scotch Creek, B.C., on Sunday, August 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Planned ignition work on the McDougall Creek wildfire, near West Kelowna. (BC Wildfire Service)

UPDATE: Rest of West Kelowna’s Smith Creek allowed to head home

Protecting properties continues to be a priority for fire crews on Aug. 28

Planned ignition work on the McDougall Creek wildfire, near West Kelowna. (BC Wildfire Service)
The Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire remains at 1,830 hectares. (BC Wildfire Services)

No change to Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire burning near Keremeos

The fire remains at 1,830 hectares

The Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire remains at 1,830 hectares. (BC Wildfire Services)
The Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire remains at 1,830 hectares. (BC Wildfire Services)

No change to Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire burning near Keromeos

The fire remains at 1,830 hectares

The Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire remains at 1,830 hectares. (BC Wildfire Services)
Planned ignition work on the McDougall Creek wildfire, near West Kelowna. (BC Wildfire Service)

UPDATE: West Kelowna wildfire remains out of control at 12,635 hectares

Protecting properties continues to be a priority for fire crews on Aug. 28

Planned ignition work on the McDougall Creek wildfire, near West Kelowna. (BC Wildfire Service)
A wildfire has been discovered on the south end of Chehalis Lake north of Harrison Hot Springs. (Screenshot/BCWS)

Second wildfire discovered north of Harrison Hot Springs

Wildfire 2 hectares in size

A wildfire has been discovered on the south end of Chehalis Lake north of Harrison Hot Springs. (Screenshot/BCWS)
Rossmoore Lake wildfire near Kamloops. (BC Wildfire Service)

Fire south of Kamloops reaches 11,000 hectares

Warmer temperatures could ramp up fire behaviour over the next few days

  • Aug 27, 2023
Rossmoore Lake wildfire near Kamloops. (BC Wildfire Service)
Planned ignition work continues on the McDougall Creek wildfire. (BC Wildfire Service)

West Kelowna looks to re-entry and recovery after McDougall Creek fire

Upper Shannon Woods, Tallus Ridge evacuation order downgraded to alert Sunday morning

  • Aug 27, 2023
Planned ignition work continues on the McDougall Creek wildfire. (BC Wildfire Service)
Bush Creek East wildfire. (BC Wildfire Service)

UPDATE: Highway 1 reopens, flames visible from Shuswap wildfire

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place

  • Aug 27, 2023
Bush Creek East wildfire. (BC Wildfire Service)
Capt. Jennifer Hansen of the Westside Salvation Army poses for a photo in West Kelowna, B.C. on Friday, August 25, 2023. Hansen says she’s been part of a team that has been providing more than 1,000 meals a day at the height of the wildfire. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner

Salvation Army leader supports Kelowna-area fire fight with free meals

Officials have estimated more than 170 structures were lost in the blaze

Capt. Jennifer Hansen of the Westside Salvation Army poses for a photo in West Kelowna, B.C. on Friday, August 25, 2023. Hansen says she’s been part of a team that has been providing more than 1,000 meals a day at the height of the wildfire. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner
The McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, August 18, 2023. Canadian insurers are grappling with higher risk of wildfires amid a record-breaking season, and experts say rising premiums are just one part of how the industry is seeking to adapt to an ever-changing new normal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

More West Kelowna residents heading home as evacuation order downgraded to alert

The change is for the Tallus Ridge, Shannon Woods Drive and Rainbow Road areas

The McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, August 18, 2023. Canadian insurers are grappling with higher risk of wildfires amid a record-breaking season, and experts say rising premiums are just one part of how the industry is seeking to adapt to an ever-changing new normal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Wildfire evacuees Warren Pullen, left, and veteran Rob Pullen sit outside their trailer in the parking lot at an evacuation centre, in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

Mental health supports available for British Columbians impacted by wildfires

Disaster Psychological Support team deployed through B.C.’s Emergency Management program

Wildfire evacuees Warren Pullen, left, and veteran Rob Pullen sit outside their trailer in the parking lot at an evacuation centre, in Kelowna, B.C., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)