• Changing weather conditions could mean challenging weekend on fire front

    Changing weather conditions could mean challenging weekend on fire front
    The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is warning that weather conditions over the long weekend could increase the hazard of wildfires and leading to challenging conditions for those fighting them.
    A cold front is forecast to move across much of British Columbia this weekend, bringing thunderstorms and strong, gusty winds. By the time this activity reaches the Southern Interior, it will come with little or no rainfall.
    Due to hot and dry conditions and continued drought, fuels are increasingly susceptib
  • Search and rescue called after reports plane crash into water in Chilliwack

    Search and rescue called after reports plane crash into water in Chilliwack
    Search and rescue were among the first responders called out to reports of a plane crashing into a body of water in Chilliwack Monday late afternoon.The incident took place around 5:30 p.m., at a location off of Wolfe Road and Skway Road, according to reports from witnesses on social media.Fire crews reported that a plane was completely submerged when they arrived.A landing zone had been set up, but was cancelled at around 6 p.m.– This is a developing story and will be updated as informati
  • More than 100 Mexican wildfire personnel arrive in B.C.

    More than 100 Mexican wildfire personnel arrive in B.C.
    Wildfire crews from Mexico arrived in B.C. Monday to help in the ongoing fights against the more than 100 wildfires burning across the province.Forests Minister Ravi Parmar helped welcomed more than 100 Mexican wildfire personnel at Abbotsford International Airport Monday, Aug. 3, a statement from the ministry says. Another 200-plus personnel are set to arrive later in the week.“They’ve travelled from their homes to help us protect ours amidst a challenging wildfire season. As Britis
  • 500 wildland, structural firefighters responding to Pear Lake fire

    500 wildland, structural firefighters responding to Pear Lake fire
    The wildfire situation in the Cariboo has seemingly begun to stabilize as of Monday, Aug. 3.Despite some thunder and lightning over the weekend, BC Wildfire Service was able to jump on and bring several new spot fires in the Green Lake, Forest Grove and Lac La Hache areas under control, if not outright extinguish them. However, several large wildfires, including Pear Lake, French Bar Creek and Bonanza Lake, remain out of control.As of a BCWS update early Monday morning, the Pear Lake fire remain
  • Advertisement

  • UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek fire near West Kelowna grows to 550 hectares

    UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek fire near West Kelowna grows to 550 hectares
    UPDATE: 11:10 a.m.
    The Quilpituk Creek fire continues to grow rapidly after being discovered on Aug. 1.Two days later, the fire is an estimated 550 hectares in size according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), who suspect the out-of-control blaze was human caused.BCWS has increased its response to the fire, deploying 12 firefighters, heavy equipment teams and a structure protection unit. Ariel units are also supporting firefighting efforts, and BCWS is telling the public to stay clear of the air
  • WestJet cabin crew strike ends, tentative agreement reached between union and staff

    WestJet cabin crew strike ends, tentative agreement reached between union and staff
    Disruptions to WestJet operations have ended as the airline has reached a tentative agreement with its striking cabin crew.WestJet cabin crew issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30 and officially went on strike Sunday, Aug. 2, when a deal between the airline and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) was not agreed upon.
    This led to cancellations of the airlines’ scheduled 737 and 787 aircraft flights.
    However, on Monday, Aug. 3, WestJet and the CUPE formed an agreement, which wi
  • Westside wildfire expands evacuation order to Caesars Landing near Kelowna

    Westside wildfire expands evacuation order to Caesars Landing near Kelowna
    Increased fire activity has expanded an evacuation order to Caesars Landing off Westside Road.
    The area was previously on evacuation alert due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, which is 200 hectares. The evacuation order was issued at 5:40 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3.Residents should leave their properties immediately to keep safe. The evacuation route is south on Westside Road. Follow instructions of emergency personnel and traffic control in the area.
    The order includes Caesars Landing as well as 5455
  • VIDEO: Vancouver Bandits down Winnipeg

    VIDEO: Vancouver Bandits down Winnipeg
    It was worth the wait.
    A sold-out crowd for the Vancouver Bandits game against the Winnipeg Sea Bears saw the game delayed from 12:30 p.m. Sunday to 2 p.m. due to unspecified “travel disruptions” in the league announcement.
    In their last game before the playoffs, Bandits won an 114-90 victory, giving them even more momentum going into Thursday’s Western Conference semifinal game against Edmonton.Mitch Creek became the Vancouver Bandits’ all-time leading scorer, finishing
  • Advertisement

  • UPDATE: Blue Grouse Creek wildfire in West Kelowna under control

    UPDATE: Blue Grouse Creek wildfire in West Kelowna under control
    UPDATE: 4:10 p.m.
    A wildfire north of West Kelowna has been put under control a day after it was discovered.
    The Blue Grouse Creek wildfire was first discovered on Aug. 1. In a day, it had grown to 20 hectares before firefighters were able to contain it.
    As of 3:03 p.m. on Aug. 2, the fire is classified as “under control” by the BC Wildfire Service. The blaze remains at an estimated 20 hectares in size.
    Evacuation alerts related to the Blue Grouse wildfire were lifted earlier on Aug.
  • UPDATE: Evacuation alerts expanded for Bradley creek wildfire

    UPDATE: Evacuation alerts expanded for Bradley creek wildfire
    UPDATE: 3:08 p.m.
    With the Bradley Creek wildfire still burning west of Vernon, the Regional District of the North Okanagan is issuing an expanded evacuation alert.
    The following properties in Electoral Area “B” are now under the expanded evacuation alert:17 and 65 Cain Road
    131, 252, 351, 425, 485, 631, 635 Nashwito Road
    10, 15, 50, 93 Banks Road
    79, 305, 311, 315, 464 Beau Park RoadCertain properties on Siwash Creek Road, Beatrice Road and Six Mile Creek Road remain under evacuatio
  • UPDATE: Evacuation alerts, orders to remain overnight in Westside’s Quilpituk Creek wildfire area

    UPDATE: Evacuation alerts, orders to remain overnight in Westside’s Quilpituk Creek wildfire area
    UPDATE: 7:40 p.m.
    It will be another night away from home for residents who have fled the Quilpituk Creek wildfire.
    The evacuation order for the 2,218 properties and evacuation alerts for three properties in the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire area will remain in place overnight, says Central Okanagan Emergency Management.
    “The Quilpituk Creek Wildfire is a reminder of the importance of community readiness in a fast-moving event. Tactical evacuations may be necessary prior to any official notific
  • Brunswick complex fires in Fraser Canyon still active on southern flank

    Brunswick complex fires in Fraser Canyon still active on southern flank
    As of Sunday morning (Aug. 2), no new evacuation orders or alerts have been issued in response to the Ainslie Creek and Brunswick Creek wildfires burning in the Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar.
    The Brunswick Creek wildfire, discovered on July 2, is estimated at 7,483 hectares. The Ainslie Creek wildfire, discovered on July 4, is estimated at 39,819 hectares. Both fires are suspected to have been human-caused.
    On Saturday, the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) issued an evacuation order for th
  • 22 lightning-caused fires started in 1 day, BC Wildfire says

    22 lightning-caused fires started in 1 day, BC Wildfire says
    Extreme weather conditions have made wildfire containment efforts significantly more challenging, said BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
    Winds with gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour led to aggressive fire behaviour in the Okanagan, adding stress to new and existing wildfires.
    Across the province, more than 2,200 lightning strikes led to 22 suspected lightning-caused fires.12 of those have been classified as out, under control or being held. 10 remain out-of-control.
    BCWS added that conditions next
  • UPDATE: Evacuation orders and alerts continue to be issued as Quilpituk Creek fire grows

    UPDATE: Evacuation orders and alerts continue to be issued as Quilpituk Creek fire grows
    UPDATE: 12:42 p.m.
    The North Fintry neighbourhood to the border of the Okanagan Indian Band land are now on evacuation alert due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire.The Central Okanagan Emergency Management has a map of the area covered by the alert.“Residents in the evacuation alert area are advised to remain prepared for potential changes in conditions and pending updates from emergency officials. At this time, do not self-evacuate or get into your vehicle unless specifically directed to do
  • Expo 86 remembered at scaled-back Vancouver fireworks

    Expo 86 remembered at scaled-back Vancouver fireworks
    As fireworks exploded over Vancouver’s English Bay, a radio station broadcast of the music to go with the display was playing “”Something’s Happening Here.”
    It was the official theme song and catchphrase of Expo 86, back when fireworks were happening every night at the 1986 World’s Fair.
    Fireworks continued after Expo as a once-a-year multi-day festival, the Celebration of Light, but that was ended by the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society due to rising prod
  • Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton grows to 115,438 hectares

    Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton grows to 115,438 hectares
    The Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton continues to grow, and as of Sunday (Aug. 2) was estimated at 115,438 hectares; an increase of nearly 25,000 hectares since Saturday morning, when it was estimated at 90,475 hectares.
    At its southeastern edge the fire has pushed into the Rim Lake wildfire between Loon Lake and Chasm. That fire showed minimal growth overnight on Aug. 1, and as of Sunday was estimated at 4,577 hectares.
    These two fires, along with the French Bar Creek wildfire, make up the Big B
  • UPDATE: Evacuation orders issued for La Casa due to Quilpituk wildfire

    UPDATE: Evacuation orders issued for La Casa due to Quilpituk wildfire
    UPDATE: 11:31 a.m.
    An evacuation order has been issued for the La Casa area as the Quilpituk wildfire continues to burn.Properties under evacuation orders should leave the area immediately.The following addresses are listed under the evacuation order:
    Barcelona Drive
    Dunwaters Road
    Fair Bridge Road
    7142 and 7174 Fintry Delta Road
    Fintry Estates
    Gray Road
    Kelly Place
    La Palma Loop
    Madrid Way
    Marbella Loop
    Muir Road
    Sante Fe Way
    Santiago Loop
    Shalal Road
    Toledo Drive
    Terazona Drive
    Valencia Way
    Ve
  • More crew being brought in to Riley Creek fire south of Lillooet

    More crew being brought in to Riley Creek fire south of Lillooet
    More personnel are being brought in to deal with the Riley Creek wildfire south of Lillooet, which as of Sunday morning (Aug. 2) was still estimated at 1,150 hectares.
    BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports that they continue to see increased activity on the fire, which is burning in very steep and rocky terrain.
    Heavy equipment and fallers are continuing to build control lines to the east of the fire, as well as to the south parallel to Texas Creek Road. Fallers are accompanying heavy equipment to
  • VIDEO: Ascendant Vancouver FC downs Ottawa

    VIDEO: Ascendant Vancouver FC downs Ottawa
    Vancouver FC coach Martin Nash’s was sounding upbeat about the team’s performanceprior to Saturday’s game against Atlético Ottawa.
    “We’ve been able to grind out some results, which is nice,” Nash said. “Yeah, we’ve won a couple by big scores, but we’ve also grinded some wins out. I feel that we’re becoming another team that can win dirty; we can win ugly.”
    They were victorious, again, with Vancouver FC taking down Atl&eacut
  • Guichon Creek fire near Logan Lake classed as Being Held

    Guichon Creek fire near Logan Lake classed as Being Held
    As of Sunday morning (Aug. 2), the Guichon Creek wildfire outside Logan Lake was classed as Being Held.
    The fire, discovered on July 29, had spread to 145.4 hectares and crossed Highway 97C to the west of Logan Lake. Seven properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and 49 properties in Logan Lake, are currently on evacuation alert due to the fire.
    According to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), a fire classed as Being Held is a wildfire that is projected, based on fuel and weather conditi
  • WestJet cabin crew work stoppage in effect

    WestJet cabin crew work stoppage in effect
    WestJet plans are touched down on Sunday, Aug. 2 as the cabin crew is on strike.
    The union representing WestJet’s cabin crew staff issued a 72-hour strike notice on July 30, just before the B.C. Day long weekend.
    However, after 72 hours, a deal between WestJet and the union wasn’t agreed upon. The strike prevents the airline from operating its scheduled 737 and 787 flights.
    “We’re disappointed to be here, this directly impacts the travel plans of our guests, our WestJette
  • Multiple evacuation orders, alerts remain as Bradley Creek wildfire still out-of-control

    Multiple evacuation orders, alerts remain as Bradley Creek wildfire still out-of-control
    As the Bradley Creek wildfire continues to burn on Sunday morning (Aug. 2), it is now estimated to be 2,603 hectares in size.
    Additionally, all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place.
    These orders and alerts have been issued by multiple organizations including the Okanagan Indian Band, Regional District of North Okanagan, The Corporation of the Township of Spallumcheen, Splatsin Kukpi7 & Tkwamipla, Columbia Shuswap Regional District, and the City of Armstrong. In total, there are four
  • UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek wildfire close to Westside Road now 40 hectares in size

    UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek wildfire close to Westside Road now 40 hectares in size
    UPDATE 8:10 a.m.
    BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the Quilpituk Creek wildfire grew north and west overnight.
    As of right now, it remains 40 hectares in size.
    “Crews have completed a sprinkler line set up along the powerline on the west flank,” said BCWS. “This morning they will be continuing to establish hoselay for water delivery to the fire’s edge and conducting danger tree assessments and falling as they work their way around the fire perimeter.”
    Original
    The lat
  • Quilpituk Creek wildfire close to Westside Road now 40 hectares in size

    Quilpituk Creek wildfire close to Westside Road now 40 hectares in size
    The latest wildfire found in the Central Okanagan, known as the Quilpituk Creek wildfire along Westside Road, is 40 hectares in size and remains out of control on Sunday morning, Aug. 2.
    The blaze was discovered in the La Casa area, south of Fintry, around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1.
    As the fire quickly spread on Saturday night and into Sunday morning, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (CORD) issued multiple evacuation orders and alerts, which remain in place.
    At 11:45 p.m., all properties n
  • Blue Grouse Creek wildfire in West Kelowna remains out of control

    Blue Grouse Creek wildfire in West Kelowna remains out of control
    The wildfire in West Kelowna remains out of control on Sunday morning, Aug. 2.
    Known as the Blue Grouse Creek wildfire, the 20-hectare blaze was last updated by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) at 9:19 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1.
    In that update, BCWS stated the blaze was displaying Rank 1 fire behaviour, meaning it’s “a smouldering ground fire with no open flame, white smoke and slow rate of spread.”
    On Sunday morning, an evacuation alert remains in place for Baird Road, Bancroft Road
  • QUIZ: In celebration of the long weekend

    QUIZ: In celebration of the long weekend
    In many but not all parts of Canada, the first Monday in August is a statutory holiday.
    In other areas, it is not a statutory holiday, but is still observed by businesses and residents.
    This is a time for special events, time at the lake or simply time to enjoy an extra day off work.
    How much do you know about this statutory holiday and the festivities surrounding it? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 questions.READ MORE: QUIZ: A time to celebrate Canada
    READ MORE: QUIZ: The continuin
  • Westbank First Nation opens gym to shelter wildfire evacuees

    Westbank First Nation opens gym to shelter wildfire evacuees
    Three wildfires burning on the west side of Okanagan Lake have prompted thousands of properties to be placed on evacuation order and alert.Wildfire evacuees and Okanagan Indian Band members are invited to find shelter at the Westbank First Nation gym at 1920 Quail Lane, Westbank.The facility has snacks, water, a limited number of sleeping mats, washroom facilities, and security patrolled parking.Emergency Support Services will open at 9 a.m. at Westbank Lions Hall.
  • UPDATE: Splatsin First Nation issues evacuation order and alert for Bradley Creek wildfire

    UPDATE: Splatsin First Nation issues evacuation order and alert for Bradley Creek wildfire
    UPDATE: Aug. 2, 1:40 a.m.
    Three properties in Salmon River IR1 have been placed on evacuation order by the Splatsin First Nation Kukpi7 & Tkwamipla. The properties ordered to leave the area immediately are 5211 Heywood Armstrong Rd., 5217 Heywood Armstrong Rd. and 4909 Salmon River Rd.All remaining properties in Salmon River IR1 have been placed on evacuation alert and should be ready to leave at any time.The Bradley Creek wildfire is still estimated to be 1,047 hectares in size and burning
  • UPDATE: Spallumcheen expands evacuation orders, wildfire crossed Highway 97

    UPDATE: Spallumcheen expands evacuation orders, wildfire crossed Highway 97
    UPDATE: 10:20 p.m.
    The evacuation order has expanded for the Township of Spallumcheen as the Bradley Creek wildfire is pushed north by the wind.Embers have been reported falling in the area and those in the area directly west of Armstrong are advised to leave immediately.Evacuees can register at the Hassen Memorial Arena in Armstrong.Structure protection and defence are expected to be on scene of the Bradley Creek wildfire overnight.BC Wildfire reports aggressive behaviour from the fire heading
  • UPDATE: Section of Hwy 97 near Vernon closed by Bradley Creek Wildfire

    UPDATE: Section of Hwy 97 near Vernon closed by Bradley Creek Wildfire
    UPDATE: 8:33 p.m.
    Highway 97 has been closed between Old Kamloops Road in Vernon and Salmon River Road due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.
    The neighbouring Westside Road has also been closed from Highway 97 until Bonneau Road because of the blaze.So far, the wildfire has caused three evacuation ALERTS and two evacuation ORDERS to be issued in the North Okanagan.
    The fire is 1,047 hectares according to BC Wildfire, who have committed nine Initial Attack Crews, three operational field staff, four

Follow @AbbotsfordNws on Twitter!