Nanaimo news

• Changing weather conditions could mean challenging weekend on fire front

  01-08-2026 02:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• More than 100 Mexican wildfire personnel arrive in B.C.

  04-08-2026 00:07 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Nanaimo defers decision on site-specific zoning in Nanaimo’s industrial lands

  03-08-2026 23:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Nanaimo considering buying art to commemorate its three historical Chinatowns

  03-08-2026 22:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• 500 wildland, structural firefighters responding to Pear Lake fire

  03-08-2026 20:51 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek fire near West Kelowna grows to 550 hectares

  03-08-2026 20:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• WestJet cabin crew strike ends, tentative agreement reached between union and staff

  03-08-2026 20:04 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Nanaimo Timbermen look to fell Victoria Shamrocks in WLA playoffs

  03-08-2026 20:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Westside wildfire expands evacuation order to Caesars Landing near Kelowna

  03-08-2026 15:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Nanaimo looks to province to continue funding city’s climate-action program

  03-08-2026 14:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Blue Grouse Creek wildfire in West Kelowna under control

  03-08-2026 01:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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.
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation alerts expanded for Bradley creek wildfire

  03-08-2026 00:15 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation alerts, orders to remain overnight in Westside’s Quilpituk Creek wildfire area

  02-08-2026 22:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Brunswick complex fires in Fraser Canyon still active on southern flank

  02-08-2026 22:25 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• 22 lightning-caused fires started in 1 day, BC Wildfire says

  02-08-2026 22:09 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation orders and alerts continue to be issued as Quilpituk Creek fire grows

  02-08-2026 21:49 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton grows to 115,438 hectares

  02-08-2026 20:58 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Evacuation orders issued for La Casa due to Quilpituk wildfire

  02-08-2026 20:45 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• More crew being brought in to Riley Creek fire south of Lillooet

  02-08-2026 19:56 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Guichon Creek fire near Logan Lake classed as Being Held

  02-08-2026 19:11 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• WestJet cabin crew work stoppage in effect

  02-08-2026 17:36 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Bradley Creek fire hasn’t spread to City of Vernon limits

  02-08-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Multiple evacuation orders, alerts remain as Bradley Creek wildfire still out-of-control

  02-08-2026 17:00 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• UPDATE: Quilpituk Creek wildfire close to Westside Road now 40 hectares in size

  02-08-2026 16:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Quilpituk Creek wildfire close to Westside Road now 40 hectares in size

  02-08-2026 16:19 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Blue Grouse Creek wildfire in West Kelowna remains out of control

  02-08-2026 15:48 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Business Notes: Mid Island Liquor acquires new store

  02-08-2026 14:30 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• QUIZ: In celebration of the long weekend

  02-08-2026 13:20 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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• Westbank First Nation opens gym to shelter wildfire evacuees

  02-08-2026 09:16 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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.
  
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• UPDATE: Splatsin First Nation issues evacuation order and alert for Bradley Creek wildfire

  02-08-2026 04:54 via nanaimobulletin.com
  
  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
  
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