• Alberni Valley Rescue Squad called to Hole in the Wall twice in three days

    Alberni Valley Rescue Squad called to Hole in the Wall twice in three days
    Volunteer search and rescue members were called to Hole in the Wall twice in three days over the August long weekend to rescue injured hikers.
    On Saturday, Aug. 1 Alberni Valley Rescue Squad volunteers responded to an injured hiker. Bystanders called 911, and AVRS was dispatched to assess the hiker.
    “This person was transported by stretcher to the waiting BC EHS (ambulance) crew,” volunteer AVRS volunteer Amèlie Duquette said.
    The squad was called out again Monday, Aug. 3 for
  • Evacuations lifted in Spallumcheen as Bradley Creek wildfire progress achieved

    Evacuations lifted in Spallumcheen as Bradley Creek wildfire progress achieved
    Strong efforts of wildfire crews today on the Bradley Creek blaze led to the amendment of evacuation order and alert areas.
    The evacuation order area has shrunk considerably and some alert areas are rescinded as of Monday evening, Aug. 3 (see maps for updates).
    Properties that were on evacuation alert earlier today remain on alert.
    “We are still asking people to refrain from entering evacuation order areas as crews continue to work addressing hazards,” the Township of Spallumcheen ad
  • BC Wildfire reports ‘no significant growth’ on Bradley Creek wildfire

    BC Wildfire reports ‘no significant growth’ on Bradley Creek wildfire
    The Bradley Creek wildfire burning west of Vernon did not see any substantial growth on Monday, Aug. 3, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).The human-caused fire sparked July 31 and has since grown to an estimated 2,603 hectares.BCWS continues to work alongside the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department actioning the blaze.Crews and heavy equipment are working on the south and north flanks of the fire, also conducting mop up on hotspots close to homes.Structure protection will also remain on t
  • City of Armstrong lifts evacuation alert from Bradley Creek wildfire

    City of Armstrong lifts evacuation alert from Bradley Creek wildfire
    The evacuation alert for properties in Armstrong have been lifted.The city issued a notice at 8:15 p.m. that the 14 addresses previously on alert are no longer considered to be threatened by the Bradley Creek Wildfire burning southeast of the city.The City of Armstrong Emergency Operations Services remains activated to monitor fire activity and communicate with partner agencies.The Bradley Creek wildfire sparked on July 31 and has since grown to 2,603 hectares.
  • Advertisement

  • Okanagan Indian Band issues ‘Do not consume’ water advisory due to fire

    Okanagan Indian Band issues ‘Do not consume’ water advisory due to fire
    The Bradley Creek wildfire has wreaked havoc on Okanagan Indian Band land and a do not consume water advisory was issued in some areas on Aug. 3.The advisory has been put in place for Okanagan Indian Band Systems Six Mile/Bradley Creek/Irish Creek/Head of the Lake Community Water System (DWS #429) and 59 Antoine Road Community Water System (DWS #2391).Bottled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, cooking, food washing and preparation, pet water, making coffee or other beverages, and
  • Victoria crash involving ambulance sends 2 to hospital

    Victoria crash involving ambulance sends 2 to hospital
    Two people were taken to hospital in stable condition after a crash involving a car and an ambulance in Victoria on Aug. 2.
    A spokesperson for BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) told Saanich News they received a call about the collision at the intersection of Bay and Blanshard streets at 5:50 p.m. and dispatched four ambulances to the scene.
    Paramedics transported two people involved in the crash to hospital in stable condition.
    BCHES said the ambulance was transporting a patient at the time o
  • 4 Vancouver Island beaches listed among top 10 in Canada

    4 Vancouver Island beaches listed among top 10 in Canada
    Rathrevor Beach in Parksville has been named one of Canada’s top five beaches, for the second year in a row.
    Research by Spin Casino compared visitor ratings, reviews and mentions of the words “beautiful”, “clean”, “peaceful” and “romantic” to find out which beaches in Canada offer the best overall experience, according to a news release.
    Home to a sandy beach that at low tide stretches nearly 1.5 kilometres out into the Strait of Georgia, Ra
  • 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
  • Advertisement

  • Nanaimo defers decision on site-specific zoning in Nanaimo’s industrial lands

    Nanaimo defers decision on site-specific zoning in  Nanaimo’s industrial lands
    A decision on site-specific zoning for Nanaimo’s industry lands was deferred to allow for consultations with the Snuneymuxw First Nation and other stakeholders on the issue.
    Last November, council directed staff to prepare a report with options for a zoning amendment for industrial lands that would exclude emissions-intense heavy industry – such as waste-energy incinerators, chemical plants, thermal-electrical generators, petroleum refineries and liquefied-natural gas export faciliti
  • Nanaimo considering buying art to commemorate its three historical Chinatowns

    Nanaimo considering buying art to commemorate its three historical Chinatowns
    Nanaimo is considering doing more to recognize the long, and sometimes forgotten, history of the city’s Chinese community.
    Council voted unanimously at a special council meeting on July 27 to direct staff to prepare a report identifying the process, and estimated costs, to acquire the three Lost Intersections temporary public-art installations by Jackie Wong to include them in the city’s permanent public art collection.
    Coun. Hilary Eastmure made the motion for the staff report after
  • 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
  • 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
  • Nanaimo Timbermen look to fell Victoria Shamrocks in WLA playoffs

    Nanaimo Timbermen look to fell Victoria Shamrocks in WLA playoffs
    Capturing the last playoff berth in the Western Lacrosse Association, the Nanaimo Timbermen hope for some better luck against the Victoria Shamrocks in their upcoming playoff series.
    The best-of-five series begins Tuesday, Aug. 4 at The Q Centre in Victoria before shifting up the Malahat to Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo on Thursday, Aug. 6. The results of Game 1 were not available at press time, but the Senior A WLA team finished the regular season with eight wins, 10 losses and 16 points and Chr
  • 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
  • Nanaimo looks to province to continue funding city’s climate-action program

    Nanaimo looks to province to continue funding city’s climate-action program
    The City of Nanaimo will advocate to the province to continue its funding for climate-action projects in the municipality.
    Ting Pan, Nanaimo’s manager of sustainability, told a special city council meeting on Monday, July 27, that funding for the province’s Local Government Climate Action Program, which provides local governments with funding, guidance, and direct support to implement their climate-action plans, has not been renewed beyond 2027, and, as of now, the city doesn’t
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • UPDATE: Bradley Creek fire hasn’t spread to City of Vernon limits

    UPDATE: Bradley Creek fire hasn’t spread to City of Vernon limits
    UPDATE: 1:14 p.m.
    Vernon is reporting that there is no fire activity related to the Bradley Creek wildfire within city limits.Still, crews from Vernon Fire Rescue Service are patrolling high-risk areas, looking for spot fires. Some additional crews have also been deployed to support wildfire fighting efforts in the community of Spallumcheen, which has been issued evacuation alerts and orders.
    The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place is open to assist residents disp
  • 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
  • Business Notes: Mid Island Liquor acquires new store

    Business Notes: Mid Island Liquor acquires new store
    Mid Island Liquor, a subsidiary of Mid Island Co-op, had a grand opening of its newest liquor store onJuly 17.
    MIL recently acquired the Landlubber Liquor Store in Beban Plaza from the adjacent Landlubber Pub.
    Mid Island Co-op is a locally owned member oriented co-operative serving approximately 80,000 people on Vancouver Island, operating multiple businesses, including gas bars, cardlocks, liquor stores, and food stores, stretching from the Cowichan Valley in the south to Port Hardy in the nort
  • 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 under evacuation orders and alerts.
    Wildfire evacuees and Okanagan Indian Band members are invited to seek shelter at the Westbank First Nation gym, 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
  • UPDATE: Evacuation alert added to western side of Armstrong due to Bradley Creek wildfire

    UPDATE: Evacuation alert added to western side of Armstrong due to Bradley Creek wildfire
    UPDATE: Aug. 2, 12:24 a.m.
    The City of Armstrong has added an evacuation alert due to the Bradley Creek wildfire.
    Around 12:15 a.m., the City issued the alert to all properties along the western edge of the city.
    The properties include:3075, 3275 Fraser Road;
    3909, 3915, 3945, 3955, 3965, 3985 Wood Avenue;4000 Noble Road;
    2915, 3065, 3185 Otter Lake Road;
    3930 Patten Drive;
    2365 Pleasant Valley Road.“If you live in the affected area, be prepared to leave on short notice if conditions chang
  • UPDATE: Wildfire near La Casa reaches 10 hectares, evacuation orders remain

    UPDATE: Wildfire near La Casa reaches 10 hectares, evacuation orders remain
    UPDATE: Aug. 2/26 at 12:20 a.m.
    The Quilpituk Creek wildfire has grown to 10 hectares.BC Wildfire Service has not provided any information on the behaviour of the blaze.An evacuation order was issued just before midnight for properties north of Nahun and south of La Casa.With Westside Road closed northbound due to aggressive Bradley Creek wildfire and people are to evacuate south toward West Kelowna.UPDATE: 11:45 p.m.
    All properties north of Nahun and south of La Casa are on order to evacuate.Th
  • UPDATE: La Casa on evacuation alert as wildfire sits at 2 hectares

    UPDATE: La Casa on evacuation alert as wildfire sits at 2 hectares
    UPDATE: 11:40 p.m.
    The La Casa area in Central Okanagan is now on evacuation alert due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire.The wildfire remains at two hectares, but sits between the Blue Grouse Creek and Bradley Creek wildfires.Residents in the area should be prepared to leave at any time.Westside Road is closed northbound from the Bradley Creek wildfire. In the event the evacuation alert is upgraded to an order, those leaving La Casa must head south toward West Kelowna.UPDATE: 10:40 p.m.
    A wildfire
  • UPDATE: Evacuation order issued due to wildfire near La Casa

    UPDATE: Evacuation order issued due to wildfire near La Casa
    UPDATE: 11:45 p.m.
    All properties north of Nahun and south of La Casa are on order to evacuate.The Central Okanagan Regional District issued the order for the following properties:
    5455 and 5495 Deighton Road
    5625, 5875, 6409, 6421, 6433, 6445, 6457, 6469, 6493, 6481 Westside Road
    Anyone in the area should leave immediately. Westside Road is closed northbound due to another wildfire and evacuees should go south toward West Kelowna.Emergency Support Services will be available at Westbank Lions Ce
  • UPDATE: OKIB calls for more Evacuation Orders due to wildfire near Vernon, Westside Road closed

    UPDATE: OKIB calls for more Evacuation Orders due to wildfire near Vernon, Westside Road closed
    UPDATE: 5:05 p.m.
    The Bradley Creek wildfire continues to cause Evacuation Orders and alerts near Vernon Saturday evening.According to the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), Evacuation Orders have been issued for all properties North of Bonneau Road and South of Highway 97, and all properties across the lake along Head of the Lake Road, Hawhola Road, and all properties up to the OKIB IR 1 boundary.People in the area must evacuate immediately due to the wildfire causing risk to human life and safety.&l
  • UPDATE: OKIB calls for Evacuation Order due to wildfire near Vernon, Westside Road closed

    UPDATE: OKIB calls for Evacuation Order due to wildfire near Vernon, Westside Road closed
    UPDATE: 3:55 p.m.
    The Okanagan Indian Band Emergency Operations Centre has called for an Evacuation Order for all properties north of Mary Emerald Bay Road to Simila Road due to the Bradley Creek Wildfire.As of 3:30 p.m., a tactical evacuation is underway for residents on Pebble Park Lane.People must leave the area immediately to protect public safety as fire conditions continue to evolve.According to OKIB, emergency personnel are working directly with affected residents to support the evacuatio
  • VicPD warns public of non-emergency number being spoofed in alleged scams

    VicPD warns public of non-emergency number being spoofed in alleged scams
    The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is alerting residents that their non-emergency number is being displayed on alleged scam calls across Canada.
    VicPD said they will never call people requesting banking information, passwords, pins or payment.
    The department added that the scammers can manipulate caller IDs to make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate phone number. Seeing VicPD’s non-emergency number on the screen does not necessarily mean the call is from VicPD.
    If you re
  • Evacuation orders issued for Riley Creek fire south of Lillooet

    Evacuation orders issued for Riley Creek fire south of Lillooet
    Two properties in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) are now on evacuation order due to the Riley Creek wildfire, while 14 properties along Lytton-Lillooet Highway 12 and Kirbys Flat Road are now on evacuation alert.
    The Riley Creek wildfire, which is burning out of control nine kilometres south of Lillooet, was discovered on June 24, and is currently estimated at 1,150 hectares. BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says that the fire was caused by lightning.
    The two properties on evacuation ord
  • ‘We need help’: Letter, petition, MLA call on Eby to declare state of emergency due to Cariboo fires

    ‘We need help’: Letter, petition, MLA call on Eby to declare state of emergency due to Cariboo fires
    A letter and petition, along with the BC Conservatives, are calling on Premier David Eby to declare a state of emergency in the face of massive wildfires burning in the Southern Interior.The letter template has been shared in multiple Cariboo Facebook groups, with individuals chiming in both for and against the proposal, and some saying they have sent the letter to the government.“I am writing as a gravely concerned resident of the Cariboo and as one of many people who are increasingly fri
  • Guichon Creek fire near Logan Lake holding at 145 hectares

    Guichon Creek fire near Logan Lake holding at 145 hectares
    The Guichon Creek wildfire (K21320) near Logan Lake is holding at an estimated 145 hectares as of Saturday morning (Aug. 1).
    The fire, which was discovered on July 29, is burning west of Logan Lake and is suspected to have been human-caused.
    The District of Logan Lake has issued an evacuation alert covering 49 properties in the Acreages, while the Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for seven properties along Tunkwa Lake Road.
    On July 31, an update from Logan Lake Fi
  • LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Nanaimo is a lovely community

    LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Nanaimo is a lovely community
    To the editor,
    What a lovely community Nanaimo is!
    My wife and adult children planned our first family vacation in several years. All of it on Vancouver Island, with Nanaimo being our first stop. Honestly I’d never heard of it. Now I can’t wait to return. It’s stunningly beautiful, with friendly people (other than the grouchy girls with a grouchier dog on Saysutshun) and an authentic outdoorsy vibe.
    We had delicious meals. We experienced your fantastic farmers market. We played
  • UPDATE: Wildfire near Westside Road grows to 200 hectares, evacuation alerts expanded

    UPDATE: Wildfire near Westside Road grows to 200 hectares, evacuation alerts expanded
    UPDATE: 10:32 a.m.
    The Bradley Creek wildfire burning north of Westside Road near Vernon has now grown to 200 hectares.The blaze was discovered on Friday, July 31, and has quickly jumped to its current size in less than 24 hours.“Fire growth and size for this incident is predominately attributed to the grassy fuel type which burns fast and makes for a quicker rate of spread,” said BCWS.
    The fire is burning out of control and is suspected to be human caused.The Okanagan Indian Band (O

Follow @news_nanaimo on Twitter!