Abbotsford news

• Fire activity ‘predominantly limited’ at Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 14:45 via abbynews.com
  
  No visible open flame was observed at the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on Wednesday, Aug. 12, but weather concerns are on the horizon.
  In its latest update, which came at 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the fire activity experienced throughout the day and expected to remain the same throughout the night was “predominantly limited to smouldering ground fire, with a slow rate of spread, white smoke, and no visible open flame observed.”
  Crews continue to extinguish h
  
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• Air quality rating jumps to ‘very high risk’ in Chilliwack, Agassiz, Hope

  13-08-2026 22:12 via abbynews.com
  
  The air quality in Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope had the worst rating possible on Thursday morning (Aug. 13).
  The Eastern Fraser Valley area was given an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) value of 10+, which is the highest rating. It jumped from a low rating of 2 just 24 hours earlier on Aug. 12.
  Metro Vancouver Regional District issued an air quality warning on the afternoon of Aug. 13 due to elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) caused by smoke from wildfires in B.C., including the South Carib
  
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• 100 Mile House timber supply impacted by wildfires

  13-08-2026 22:00 via abbynews.com
  
  The District of 100 Mile House received a candid look at the current and projected timber supply for the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area last week.
  On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Kane Copley, a strategic land manager for the Ministry of Forests, attended council’s regular meeting to deliver and explain the results of the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area Timber Supply Analysis Discussion Paper. Copley said the review was conducted this year and based on information gathered from January to May.
  In
  
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• United Way BC offering grants up to $15K for non-profits helping wildfire evacuees

  13-08-2026 21:52 via abbynews.com
  
  United Way BC is handing out grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofits to help communities recover from this year’s wildfires.
  A news release from the organization on Thursday says funds will help with urgent needs such as food, transportation and mental health support.
  The 2026 wildfire season has scorched hundreds of thousands of hectares in B.C., with 109 wildfires still active as of Aug. 13.
  United Way BC says it has already given funding to local organizations, such as Shxwhá:y Vil
  
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• Two independent wrestling shows set for Aug. 21 in Abbotsford

  13-08-2026 21:22 via abbynews.com
  
  Abbotsford is set to be one of the biggest independent wrestling hot spots on the planet on Friday (Aug. 21) with two shows scheduled on opposite ends of the city.
  The Midget Wrestling Warriors tour takes over the Pinnacle Ballroom inside the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre (36035 North Parallel Rd.) in east Abbotsford, while Big West Wrestling makes its debut at the Mount Lehman Community Hall (6419 Mt. Lehman Rd.) in west Abbotsford.
  MWW opens the doors for a special VIP meet and greet ses
  
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• Highway 97 opens between Penticton and Peachland for ‘through traffic only’

  13-08-2026 20:26 via abbynews.com
  
  DriveBC says Highway 97 is opening between Penticton and Peachland for “through traffic only” as the region continues to contend with the out-of-control Bald Range wildfire.
  There will be no stopping in the area except for vehicles with approved permit holders at Prairie Valley Road, the provincial road service said.
  The stretch of highway will be open to public traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow crews to access the site overnight.
  Speeds have also been reduced to 70 km/h.
  The Re
  
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• Deep trouble: Chilliwack RCMP catch impaired driver in excavator

  13-08-2026 20:17 via abbynews.com
  
  It was probably the largest vehicle that Chilliwack RCMP impounded in recent time.
  Police caught an impaired driver operating an excavator on Farmers Way in east Chilliwack recently.
  “It’s not often an excavator ends up on our impaired driving list, but on July 30, that’s exactly what happened,” the Upper Fraser Valley RCMP wrote on social media on Aug. 11.
  A report came in to Chilliwack RCMP of a “possible” impaired driver and when police arrived on scene the
  
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• BC SPCA working to save stranded animals in wildfire zones

  13-08-2026 20:12 via abbynews.com
  
  The BC SPCA has boarded over 100 animals as wildfires rage across B.C.
  Nearly 110 wildfires are active in the province right now, spurring 51 evacuation orders in different communities.
  The BC SPCA said many people have had to leave their home and “make the impossible decision” to leave their animals behind.
  Those worried about their marooned animals in evacuation zones have a helping hand, as the BC SPCA’s Animal Protection Service team is offering support by going beyond the
  
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• Lifejackets save lives: Rise in B.C. drownings prompts reminder from EHS

  13-08-2026 19:42 via abbynews.com
  
  British Columbia is seeing a rise in accidental drowning deaths this summer, prompting a renewed public safety push across the province.
  ​Data from the BC Coroners Service shows 40 accidental drowning deaths between May 1 and July 16, including six drowning-related deaths on Okanagan Lake, with five of them being confirmed drownings. This number is up from the 26 deaths that occurred during the same time period last summer.
  Of note, Okanagan Lake is the deadliest lake in the province.
  R
  
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• Abbotsford police use power of social media to recover stolen trailer

  13-08-2026 19:30 via abbynews.com
  
  A recent investigation has demonstrated what a powerful tool social media can be in the hands of the public when it comes to helping police solve local crimes.
  The Abbotsford Police Department said the incident involved a box trailer full of items being stolen from the 32000 block of Haida Drive on the morning of Aug. 5.
  Shortly after the theft was reported, the police posted on social media about the missing trailer and encouraged the public to be on the lookout for it.
  Police were then contact
  
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• B.C. seeks public feedback on Williams Lake timber supply and future harvest levels

  13-08-2026 18:42 via abbynews.com
  
  The public is being invited to provide feedback on the timber supply review for the Williams Lake timber supply area before early October.
  According to a B.C. government press release, residents can share their thoughts on the discussion paper by submitting their comments before Oct. 5.
  The B.C. government said the discussion paper provides the results of a timber supply analysis and describes the current legal requirements, geography, natural resources and forest management practices of the Wil
  
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• Three arrested in Port McNeill after drug trafficking investigation, drugs, cash and guns seized

  13-08-2026 18:24 via abbynews.com
  
  The Port McNeill RCMP and Island District General Investigation Section (GIS) have arrested three people and seized a substantial amount of illicit drugs, cash, firearms, contraband tobacco, and vehicles connected to a drug trafficking investigation.
  RMCP and GIS officers executed multiple search warrants on residents and vehicles in the North Island area during the investigation. The three arrested individuals are believed to be involved in trafficking controlled substances.
  Officers seized mor
  
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• 3 arrested in Port McNeill after RCMP and GIS seize illicit drugs, cash, firearms

  13-08-2026 18:24 via abbynews.com
  
  The Port McNeill RCMP and Island District General Investigation Section (GIS) have arrested three people and seized a substantial amount of illicit drugs, cash, firearms, contraband tobacco, and vehicles connected to a drug trafficking investigation.
  RMCP and GIS officers executed multiple search warrants on residents and vehicles in the North Island area during the investigation. The three arrested individuals are believed to be involved in trafficking controlled substances.
  Officers seized mor
  
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• PLAYER’S DIARY: Reflecting back on first half of season

  13-08-2026 18:00 via abbynews.com
  
  We are just past the halfway point in the Canadian Premier League season with Vancouver FC, and up until now it has been a tale of two halves.
  For the first couple of weeks, we had no goals at home and were struggling for form and any kind of momentum. We scored our first CPL goal in our fourth game and picked up our first win in our fifth.
  We knew we had it in us in terms of ability. We had very, very high-level players, but we just could not put the ball in the back of the net.
  And then, all o
  
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• UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek wildfire being held, area being assessed before residents can return home

  13-08-2026 17:34 via abbynews.com
  
  UPDATE 8:23 a.m.
  The Quilpituk Creek wildfire is being held, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
  Being held means that “based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary.”
  At this time, all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. However, the Central Okanagan Emergency Management EOC will be deploying “a rapid damage assessment team to assess readiness for re-entry.”
  “Significa
  
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• UPDATE: Smoky conditions could be seen at being held Bradley Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 17:23 via abbynews.com
  
  UPDATE 8:12 a.m.
  Much like the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, smoke might become more visible and fire behaviour may increase due to the expected weather conditions at the Bradley Creek wildfire on Thursday, says BC Wildfire Service.
  “During the afternoon, temperatures and relative humidity may reach levels that can increase fire behaviour,” said BCWS. “Smoke haze may be present this morning but is expected to clear by mid-morning, resulting in improved visibility and cleaner air ov
  
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• Challenging conditions expected for Brunswick Complex wildfires on Thursday

  13-08-2026 17:19 via abbynews.com
  
  Challenging conditions are expected for the Brunswick Complex wildfires on Thursday (Aug. 13) before more moderate conditions return on Friday (Aug. 14).
  The Brunswick Complex is comprised of the 61,618-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfire and the 8,818-hectare Brunswick Creek wildfire.
  According to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the challenging conditions are expected across the Ainslie Creek fireground on Thursday.
  Fire behaviour increased on the south flank of the fire on Wednes
  
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• UPDATE: Warm temperatures could increase fire activity at Quilpituk Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 17:06 via abbynews.com
  
  UPDATE 7:58 a.m.
  Smoke might become more visible and fire behaviour may increase due to sunny, warm, and dry conditions expected on Thursday, says BC Wildfire Service.
  “During the afternoon, temperatures and relative humidity may reach levels that can increase fire behaviour,” said BCWS. “Smoke haze may be present this morning but is expected to clear by mid-morning, resulting in improved visibility and cleaner air over the fire complex.”
  On Thursday, BCWS crews are conti
  
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• Chehalis River-area wildfire ‘being held’

  13-08-2026 15:49 via abbynews.com
  
  The 13-hectare Twin Lakes wildfire west of Hemlock Valley and east of Mission is now “being held”, according to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service.Wildfires labelled as “being held” are defined by BCWS as those projected to remain within their current perimeter, control line or boundary.
  The Twin Lakes wildfire is located approximately 25 km northeast of Stave Falls, near Twin Bridges and Statlu Creek.It was discovered last Friday (Aug. 7) at approximately 6:30 p.
  
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• Extinguishing hot spots, mop-up duties taking place at being held Bradley Creek wildfire

  13-08-2026 14:54 via abbynews.com
  
  Fire crews continue to extinguish hot spots and perform mop-up duties at the Bradley Creek wildfire.
  The blaze, which was discovered on July 31, continues to be classified as ‘being held’, which means that, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, the fire should remain within the current perimeter, control line, or boundary. It has been held since Saturday.
  “Within the fire perimeter, smouldering pockets of deep-burning heat produced increased smoke yest
  
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• Crews continue to establish control lines at Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland

  13-08-2026 14:45 via abbynews.com
  
  Fire crews continue to work, but there are weather concerns at the Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland.
  As of Thursday morning (Aug. 13), all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. However, in its Wednesday night update, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS)’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) said it’s working on a plan for a staged re-entry when it’s safe for residents to return home.On Wednesday (Aug. 12), fire crews continued to establish backup con
  
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• Former Harrison mayor ordered to pay uplift, double costs following defamation lawsuit

  13-08-2026 14:30 via abbynews.com
  
  Former Harrison Hot Springs mayor and councillor John Allen will incur further costs as a result of a defamation lawsuit between himself and local realtor Freddy Marks.
  According to recently released court documents, Allen was seeking costs for delays and the abandonment of one claim against him, and Marks applied for additional costs based on Allen’s conduct and refusal to accept multiple offers for settlement. Justice Mark Underhill dismissed Allen’s application and approved both o
  
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• Lower Mainland pitcher named top player at national tournament

  13-08-2026 14:00 via abbynews.com
  
  A Maple Ridge pitcher was awarded top honours at the U15 Women’s Canadian Fastpitch National Championships in Fredericton, NB, after her team took the gold medal.Vivianne Clarke, with the Cloverdale Fury 2011A team, pitched an impressive 64 strikeouts in 34 innings, and had a 0.00 Earned Run Average for the playoff round, earning her the award of Overall Top Player of the tournament.The 15-year-old said the games went really well for her team and she was able to help out her team not only
  
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• Lower Mainland family appreciates any excuse to devour Blizzard treats

  13-08-2026 14:00 via abbynews.com
  
  Lilah Rickson is a huge fan of anything pink, so it’s no surprise to Geoffrey that his three-year-old daughter’s new favourite DQ Blizzard flavour is cotton candy.
  The three-year-old Langley City toddler was asked to pose for a few promotional pictures for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and Dairy Queen on Monday, and during her family’s visit to the local eatery, Lilah was given her first-ever tasting of the vibrant pink and purple ice cream treat interspersed with
  
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• Search for bear continues in Lower Mainland attack

  13-08-2026 02:30 via abbynews.com
  
  The search for an adult black bear that attacked a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge was ongoing as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, as BC Conservation Officers continued to gather information and observe bears in the area.
  The attack took place on Sunday, Aug. 9, at around 11:30 a.m., on a residential property in the 12300-block of 240 Street, where Anaiyah was playing outside on the deck of her home.Conservation officers said a parent, who was nearby, was able to intervene and chase the bear
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation orders, alerts to remain in place for Bald Range Wildfire

  13-08-2026 01:43 via abbynews.com
  
  UPDATE: 4:04 p.m.Evacuation orders and alerts will remain in place on Wednesday for the Bald Range Wildfire, stated the Central Okanagan Emergency Management.
  The blaze currently spans 18,450 hectares in size and saw growth toward the boundary of the Regional District of Central Okanagan and Peachland.
  The wildfire remains active and dynamic, meaning conditions could change quickly. Central Okanagan Emergency Management advised residents to follow all evacuation orders and be prepared to leave o
  
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• B.C. lawsuit against parking app settled, 35 cent payout for members

  13-08-2026 01:17 via abbynews.com
  
  Settlement members in a B.C. class-action lawsuit against a parking app will be receiving 35 cents each.
  Justice Shannon P. Ramsay, in a July 29 decision, found the settlement to be reasonable, with only two objectors.
  Plaintiff Tyson Larence was seeking settlement approval against Honk Mobile Inc., a parking app.
  Larence brought forward the Canada-wide class-action lawsuit for people who used the app between June 23, 2022 and July 24, 2024. He alleged that Honk was failing to disclose the servi
  
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• Rental prices hold steady in Abbotsford, while B.C. gets pricier

  13-08-2026 01:10 via abbynews.com
  
  While prices for many other things might be going up, rental prices in Abbotsford have remained steady recently.
  From June to July, the local average asking price for rentals remained at $1,744.
  Despite July having no drop in monthly price, it is still a massive 12.4 per cent decline from this same time last year.
  This gives Abbotsford the biggest drop in annual rental prices in B.C. and the second-biggest in all of Canada.
  Abbotsford has also continued to hold onto its title of the cheapest ren
  
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• Legislative committee calls on B.C. to back down on PST expansion

  13-08-2026 00:29 via abbynews.com
  
  A legislative committee made up mostly of members of the government’s own party is recommending the province back down on a planned expansion of the provincial sales tax.
  “What we’ve seen here is the NDP members of the committee recognizing just how incredibly unpopular the PST hike is, and giving a clear signal to the Finance Minister that she needs to back away from this hike,” said B.C. Conservative MLA Gavin Dew, who is not on the committee, but has been a vocal oppon
  
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• PHOTOS: BC Wildfire Service sets up base in Okanagan Falls

  12-08-2026 22:55 via abbynews.com
  
  Dozens of tents have been set up in Keogan Sports Park in Okanagan Falls alongside portable buildings hosting BC Wildfire Service’s incident command for the Bald Range Wildfire.The park saw 100 Mexican wildland firefighters arrive in the evening of Aug. 10, just three days after the fire erupted west of Summerland.More firefighters from across B.C., from departments near like Kelowna, to further away like Mill Bay and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.Chilliwack sent multiple engines, and even M
  
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